Media statement 17 November 2023
Cllr Rina Marx
MMC for Health
The City of Tshwane Health Department has an important role to play in relation to legislative enforcement. The Municipal Health Services Section of the Health Department has graduated health inspectors who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). They are mandated to conduct food safety inspections and participate in joint operations and projects in relation to food safety.
During October 2023, 12 Section 56 notices were issued to non-compliant food premises, 43 compliance notices were issued to non-compliant food premises and two prohibition orders were issued to close food businesses.
Health inspectors are given inspection powers by the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), read with Regulation R328. They are authorised in terms of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) which states inter alia that a health officer may enter any premises, excluding a private dwelling, at any reasonable time and inspect such premises in order to ensure compliance with the National Health Act, 2003.
Health inspectors also play an important role in educating business owners, managers and employees about the health requirements they need to meet. They issue compliance notices, final notices, prohibitions or closures and fines for non-compliance.
It is important to note that health inspectors can request any supporting documentation, such as records, zoning details, supplier details, cleaning schedules, waste removal details and building plans.
Health inspectors are trained and mandated to collect samples of food, water and other substances for laboratory testing when conducting an investigation or inspection.
As the MMC for Health, I am proud of the current team of qualified and registered health inspectors who monitor and ensure compliance in the interest of public health and safety.
Media enquiries: Natashia Chhiba (natashiach@tshwane.gov.za)