THE police have been asked to assist in flood-related food checks after a health inspector was attacked on Sunday night while investigating a complaint against a Nadi hotel.
Police confirmed the health inspector was admitted to the Nadi Hospital as a result of injuries he suffered during the attack.
The incident, which has worried health authorities, was raised yesterday at a meeting of divisional heads in the West.
District health inspector Dip Chand said the Nadi officers received a tip-off from a concerned customer and went to investigate the complaint.
He said while investigating the complaint, the officer was attacked by the three men, who are allegedly employees of the hotel. They were charged with assault and would appear in court today.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the health officer was recovering after being treated for his injuries.
Ministry of Health spokesman Peni Namotu said the health inspector was left traumatised after the incident, which prompted the ministry to enlist the help of police officers.
"From now onwards our health inspectors will be accompanied by police officers when they go out on the fields," he said.
Mr Namotu said the ministry had zero tolerance for such behaviours from traders and employees.
"Traders have to get their heads together. They have to be mindful of the fact that our officers are operating under the law. They have to respect the law."
Meanwhile, police are calling on the public not to take the law into their own hands.
"We are requesting members of the public not to take matters into their own hands even as the situation might get heated. They should try to resolve matters amicably," Ms Naisoro said in a statement.
She said such situations could be avoided through dialogue.
"With authorities expected to further carry out their work over the coming days we are requesting members of the public to assist officials instead of creating problems for them," Ms Naisoro said.