MOGADISHU, Somalia June 29 (Garowe Online) - Islamist hardliners in southern Somalia have shut down five businesses in the capital Mogadishu's main Bakara Market after accusing shop owners of selling 'expired foods,' Radio Garowe reports.

Sheikh Ali Mohamed Hussein, the Al Shabaab chief in Mogadishu, showed reporters the expired foods including rice and flour bags.

"These foods are expired and [therefore] unhealthy…we have shut down the shops selling [the foods]," Sheikh Hussein said, while warning Bakara traders to ensure that they are selling healthy products.

Al Shabaab fighters had searched businesses for expired foods and medicines, marking the first time such a search operation has taken place in Bakara, the country's largest marketplace.

Sheikh Hussein warned of "future investigations" into expired products, raising concern among traders and consumers.

Somalia's interim government, based in Mogadishu, is facing off against Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam hardliners who control vast territory in south-central Somalia and have vowed to overthrow the government.

Source: Garowe Online