Cape Town: The Environmental Health Service of City of Cape Town has shut down an illegal butchery in Mfuleni. They seized the unsanitary sausage products after receiving a tip-off from a resident. For this a fine was issued and the case will be prepared for court.
Considering this, a statement was released by the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
She assured that the City of Cape Town is aware that the discovery of an illegal butchery in Mfuleni this week has generated a lot of public interest, especially against the backdrop of numerous food safety incidents, that have been observed around the country in recent months.
The Environmental Health Service of City was a part of an integrated operation in Mfuleni on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. It was followed by a tip-off from a member of the public.
Furthermore, an inspection of the premises was done, which turned out to be a makeshift butchery attached to a residential property. During the inspection, it was found that the sausage was being processed and packaged in unsanitary conditions that could pose a significant health risk to consumers.
Continuing the inspection, the Environmental Health Practitioners took the meat samples from the premises for chemical analysis. They tested the different levels and type of additives in the sausage. Also, a fine was issued in terms of health legislation. The case will be prepared for court in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Notably, the Environmental Health Practitioners are mandated to conduct visits to the food premises, at least twice a year. But if, problems are identified or complaints are received then more regular inspections are carried out until the problem is resolved.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the premises in question is situated in a residential area. It is neither listed nor identified as a business and if not for the whistle-blower, the EHPs would not have had cause to conduct an inspection.
Councillor Ross also stated that they are aware of the allegation that the dog food was being used to produce the sausage, in contrary to footage circulating on social media, but the EHPs found no evidence of dog food on scene.
They officially asked the public to allow the investigation to run its course and to refrain from sharing the misinformation.
Environmental Health Practitioners inspect for compliance with the Health Act and Food Regulations, the Tobacco Control Act and the provisions of the Business Act.
They can also check for possible transgression of the zoning scheme, by building regulations and fire safety legislation. Work to escalate any findings to the relevant departments for further action.
The practitioners come across foodstuffs that they have reason to believe and may pose a danger to health if consumed, they are mandated by law to seize or detain such goods.
In the past year, 39 premises have been shut down by City Health during the course of its normal operations. Public health and safety is shared responsibility and staff can only inspect premises, or investigate issues that they are aware of.