The article from the Daily Maverick, written by Mthokozisi Nkosi from ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants, highlights the implications of Food Fraud and the risks it poses to public health.
Food fraud involves intentionally manipulating food products for economic gain, including adulteration, substitution, dilution, and mislabelling. Examples include mixing tea with grass, selling expired goods, or diluting lemon juice while labelling it as pure. Food fraud is challenging to detect and often occurs during economic hardship or in businesses lacking ethical leadership and robust quality assurance systems.
Incidents like the melamine milk scandal in China, which caused severe health impacts, and the adulteration of black pepper with manganese dioxide in Vietnam highlight the public health risks and sophistication of fraudulent practices. South Africa, integrated into global trade, is not exempt from such risks, especially with significant Asian food imports.
To combat food fraud, businesses must implement effective Food Safety Management Systems and fraud prevention strategies. Regulations like South Africa’s Regulation R638 (Certificate of Acceptability) and VC 9100 for processed meats are steps toward ensuring food safety, though enforcement remains inconsistent. More robust regulatory frameworks, regular inspections, and consumer vigilance are crucial in preventing fraud, safeguarding public health, and protecting economic interests.
Media Outlet: Daily Maverick
Article Written by ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialists: Mthokozisi Nkosi and Bianca Taylor
Date: 07 October 2020
