This comes after Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel told a media briefing last week that the selling of hot food by supermarkets was outlawed by lockdown regulations.
“When takeaways and restaurants were closed (at the start of the lockdown), we also communicated to the supermarkets that their hot food sections need to be closed,” said Patel. “As the law stands, it needs to be observed, it is very clear what the position is, they are not allowed to sell cooked foods,” said Patel.
In a statement on Friday, Woolworths said that following Patel’s “communication” about the hot food counters on Thursday, it will immediately stop selling hot prepared food.
“While this has not yet been formally promulgated in the regulations and we are seeking clarity on the way forward, we have taken a decision to close all hot food counters with immediate effect to adhere to the communication by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition,” a spokesperson said.
A Shoprite group spokesperson has said that they would immediately align their stores with government policy on food sales according to Business Insider.
