Large fast food stores replace kaylite packaging
The Chronicle
Nqobile Tshili, Chronic Correspondent
SOME of Bulawayo’s major fast food outlets have started replacing banned kaylite wrappers under the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) directive.
Last month, the EMA banned the use of kaylite, saying the non-environmentally friendly material also causes cancer.
He then gave kaylite users a three-month reprieve to complete their stocks, to revoke the grace period three weeks later.
Last week, the agency launched an outlet blitz using kaylite and confiscated the product.
This led to fast food establishments quickly adopting a new transparent packaging product as a replacement for kaylite.
An instant survey by The Chronicle yesterday observed that major supermarkets and takeout stores were no longer using kaylite.
Supermarkets such as Haddon and Sly, OK, TM Pick and Pay, and fast food outlets such as Chicken Inn no longer use prohibited packaging.
An official at one of the supermarkets said he needed to comply with the regulations as soon as possible because failure to comply with the rule would affect his business.
“When such a directive is issued, you better be on the right side of the law. That is why we had to comply quickly with the regulations. We are a large organization and have been in business for a very long time. We don’t want to be caught out on such small issues, ”said an official from one of the supermarkets.
By banning its use, the EMA said companies found using the banned material could face a fine of up to $ 5,000 or one year in jail.
Announcing the ban, EMA spokesman Mr Steady Kangata said kaylite was the main contributor to litter in the country.
He encouraged members of the public to have sit-down meals in restaurants.
@nqotshili