SABC News interviewed ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants to discuss Food Safety related issues.
Recent food poisoning incidents have highlighted the critical need for a proactive approach to Food Safety across the entire supply chain. While regulations exist, enforcement is inconsistent, leading to reactive responses only after incidents occur.
Proper handling practices, such as segregating food and chemicals, maintaining temperature controls, and ensuring pest control, are essential. However, informal traders and smaller retailers often lack awareness of these requirements, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and exposing consumers to health hazards.
Education and awareness are vital to addressing these issues, especially for small and informal food businesses. These businesses can better protect their customers by adhering to food-grade packaging standards and understanding contamination risks. Additionally, traceability in the event of contamination is essential, as unregulated repackaging and relabeling make it challenging to track the origin of Food Safety issues.
Media Outlet: SABC News
ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Interviewed: Mthokozisi Nkosi
Date: 25 October 2024
The Reactive vs. Proactive Approach
Despite regulations, Food Safety practices often lean toward a reactive approach, responding only when incidents occur. As seen in past outbreaks related to ready-to-eat meats and peanut butter, this pattern highlights the need for a proactive, holistic approach that considers the entire food industry rather than isolated segments.
Importance of Proper Food Handling and Storage
Food Safety requires that food be stored separately from chemicals to prevent cross-contamination. Small businesses, such as spaza shops, often lack awareness of regulations like R638 of 2018, which mandates proper hygiene and handling practices. Pest control, temperature management, and segregation of storage areas are essential to maintaining Food Safety.
Risks Associated with Repackaging Food
Repackaging food outside of controlled environments introduces contamination risks. Facilities that handle food undergo strict inspections, including sanitation checks and controlled storage environments. When food is repackaged in informal settings, it lacks these safeguards, raising the risk of contamination from microorganisms and chemical residues.
The Role of Education and Awareness
Due to a lack of awareness, small traders and informal retailers may unintentionally compromise Food Safety. Educating these groups on proper packaging, handling, and storage can minimize health risks. Food-grade materials, for example, should be used to prevent chemical migration from packaging into food products.
Combating Food Fraud and Ensuring Traceability
Food fraud, including unregulated repackaging and relabeling, makes it difficult to trace products back to their source in the event of a foodborne illness. Maintaining traceability is crucial for identifying the origin of issues and ensuring that food products meet safety standards.
Moving Toward Proactive Food Safety
A proactive approach to Food Safety is essential to reduce the risk of contamination across the food supply chain. We can better protect consumers by enforcing regulations, educating food handlers, and promoting industry-wide standards.
