Cape Town: The City Health recorded 55% increase in food-related service requests. November and December 2024 saw increase in public complaints and queries around food matters. This came in the wake of a number of high-profile incidents that put food safety squarely in the spotlight.
Reportedly, South Africa has been in the grip of a food safety debate for months. In November, national government announced that spaza shops would need to be registered to continue trading. Any kind of food handling establishment is required to obtain a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) and to ensure that it complies with national hygiene and food safety standards.
As per the sources, the environmental Health Service of the City of Cape Town received 6,510 COA applications from spaza shop owners between Nov 15, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024. During that period, the bulk of the applications came from Area East i.e. Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Strand and surrounds.
COAs are only awarded on submission of all relevant documentation and a physical inspection to ensure that the premises complies with legislative requirements.
Furthermore, the food-related data shows increase in public complaints and fines that issued Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs).
In year 2023, the public logged 128 service requests for food-related matters. Most of the complaints were related to the dates of durability or what people perceive as expired foodstuff, unhygienic conditions at food premises and food quality concerns. Then, in 2024, the number increased by 55% to 199, by recording notable increase in November and December as compared to the previous year.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that the increase in complaints tracks with the increased publicity around food safety matters.
It is an indication of greater public awareness, although they know that they are under illusion and the work is still needed to be done amongst businesses and consumers.
According to Ross, there is no such thing called as expired food in South African law. It is critical that they all develop an understanding of the regulations and also how food labelling worked to reduce the risk of misinformation and ultimately the food waste.
Recently, the major focus was on businesses and it is important to remember that food safety is critical in the home. It also includes knowing how to handle and appropriately store food items. Ross added that an effective hygiene like handwashing and clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination should also be practised.