Media statement 6 November 2023
Cllr Rina Marx
MMC for Health
The recent spike in food poisoning cases in Tshwane has renewed focus on food handling safety. As part of our efforts to create greater awareness in communities about the importance of food safety, the Health Department recently offered training on food safety awareness to 97 drug and substance abuse (DSA) outreach teams. The groups are part of the City’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The objective of the training was to empower the DSA teams, who currently conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns. These outreach teams previously received training in basic first aid and HIV/AIDS education and awareness. They also received training through the City’s Community Orientated Substance Abuse Programme (COSUP). They will not operate as Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) but will assist to share information with informal food traders and handlers and distribute information pamphlets to help reduce foodborne illnesses.
Food safety in South Africa is regulated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972). Regulation 638 governs general hygiene requirements for food premises and the transportation of food. It requires that food handlers who prepare food be trained on good food safety practices. Failure to practice good food handling may lead to food contamination and cause foodborne diseases. The regulation further states that no food handler should handle or prepare food without having undergone the required training.
The City of Tshwane has qualified and registered EHPs to monitor and ensure compliance in accordance with this regulation and provide training on the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene. The training is offered to owners of food premises, persons in charge of food premises, managers of food premises, food handlers, caterers and interested parties.
Our objective with these training interventions is to provide food handlers with a basic understanding and knowledge of food safety and hygiene. We encourage behavioural change and food safety compliance to prevent food-related diseases to save lives.
Media enquiries: Natashia Chhiba (natashiach@tshwane.gov.za)