The City has recorded a 55% increase in food-related service requests and issued over 200 fines related to the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 and other legislation.
November and December saw a marked increase in public complaints and queries around food matters in the wake of a number of high profile incidents that put food safety squarely in the spotlight, the City said.
In 2023, the public logged 128 service requests for food-related matters. Most complaints related to dates of durability or what people perceive as expired foodstuff, unhygienic conditions at food premises and food quality concerns.
In 2024, the number increased to 199, with notable increases in November and December.
“The increase in complaints tracks with the increased publicity around food safety matters. It’s an indication of greater public awareness, although we are under no illusion that much work still needs to be done, amongst businesses but also consumers. For example, there is no such thing as expired food in South African law. It is critical that we all develop an understanding of the regulations, and also how food labelling works to reduce the risk of misinformation and ultimately, food waste,” said Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross.
“In recent months, the focus has been on businesses, but it is important to remember that food safety is as critical in the home. This includes knowing how to handle and appropriately store food items, but also effective hygiene like handwashing and clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.”
Between October and December 2024, the City confirmed it had issued 202 fines related to the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 and related legislation, and 49 fines in relation to Business Act (Act No. 71 of 1991) as amended.
The City also noted national government’s announcement in November that spaza shops would need to be registered to continue trading, saying any 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.
Between November 15 and December 31, 2024, the City’s Environmental Health service received 6 510 COA applications from spaza shop owners. The bulk of the applications came from areas including 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,” the City said.
Members of the public who have health-related concerns or complaints about businesses can contact their local Environmental Health Office for assistance via their local clinic or the City’s Technical Operations Centre on 0860 103 089.
For more information on food safety, visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/food-safety
Cape Times