He Health Tshwane and Education in Gauteng Departments have recently implemented stricter food regulations, however the “heavy-handed approach to food safety” by education management, especially, has been criticized by civil organisations. African Forum.

Tshwane Health this week vowed to increase inspections of food retailers and improve supply chain security following a rise in counterfeit food products in the metro.

MMC for Health said the department will increase inspections of food retailers and work with local authorities to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations involved in the counterfeit food trade.

Tshegofatso Mashabela MMC for Health said Tshwane is gravely concerned about the crisis of counterfeit food products that pose a threat to public health.

He said Tshwane was facing a growing crisis that threatened the health and well-being of its residents.

The Gauteng government also revealed plans to re-register spaza shops to ensure compliance, as the food poisoning crisis has so far claimed the lives of some 23 children.

Mashabela said counterfeit food products have infiltrated local markets, putting consumers at risk of ingesting harmful substances.

“In communities such as Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Olievenhoutbosch, Bronkhorstspruit, Hammanskraal and Atteridgeville, where food insecurity is already a major concern, residents are unknowingly purchasing dangerous products from convenience stores.”

He said these stores, which are often the only accessible source of affordable food, are increasingly stocking counterfeit products driven by criminal syndicates.

“The convenience store industry has become a vulnerable target for exploitation. Without proper regulation and oversight, these businesses are open to manipulation by criminal groups seeking to profit from the sale of unsafe food products,” Mashabela said.

He added that this has created a dangerous environment for consumers, who may unknowingly be purchasing and consuming harmful products.

“The health and safety of Tshwane people are at risk. “It is imperative that immediate action be taken to address this crisis,” he said.

Mashabela said it is critical to increase inspections of food retailers, improve supply chain security and educate consumers on how to identify and avoid counterfeit products.

He said residents should follow these safety tips:

– Buy food only in authorized and regulated stores.

– Verify that products have proper labeling and expiration dates.

– Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a counterfeit product.

– Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

Mashabela said the metro will not tolerate any action that puts the health and safety of Tshwane residents at risk.

“We will work diligently to enforce all relevant laws and regulations, ensuring that those seeking to profit from the sale of dangerous goods are held accountable,” Mashabela said.

“Our priority is the protection of our community.

The suffering of others has no place in our city. We will increase inspections of food retailers, improve supply chain security measures, and work with local authorities to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations involved in the counterfeit food trade. “Together we will build a Tshwane where everyone can prosper.”

Tshwane food inspections are at the back of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) will publish new bylaws on Thursday to regulate the operations of spaza shops and other merchants in the municipality.

COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has published the new Draft Standard Regulation for Municipal Economies to boost inclusive growth.

The bill equips small businesses with simplified permits, designated zones and business support, transforming municipalities into economic hubs.

Prime Minister Panyaza Lesufi told a press conference that the proposed regulations seek to establish the establishment and operation of these spaza shops, emphasizing compliance with essential safety and hygiene standards.

“These also have a new focus on setting clear guidelines and penalties for non-compliance; the regulations aim to improve public health and safety while ensuring a fair and transparent business environment for both spaza owners and customers.” .

Lesufi said police would conduct random raids to ensure compliance, while municipalities would be tasked with adopting and enforcing the new regulations.

He said the government was focusing on protecting children from dangerous and unsafe food practices.

“We have 441 cases that have been reported throughout the province. “Some of the people were discharged or simply showed symptoms of vomiting, stomach pains and related problems.”

Lesufi said the provincial government will soon require all spaza shops to re-register and this will be spearheaded by Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has ordered all schools to suspend the sale of food in and around school premises until further notice.

According to GDE, this decision is based on the recent and alarming increase in incidents of foodborne illnesses affecting students in several schools in the province.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was deeply concerned about how these incidents have led to loss of life and illness among students.

“In response, we are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and well-being of our students.”

Mabona said schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuck shops and other outlets selling food to students.

However, AfriForum has called for the lifting of the ban on food sales by licensed vendors in schools.

The civil rights organization said it was seriously concerned about the recent spate of food poisoning cases that have affected students and expressed its deepest condolences to all those who have lost family members as a result or become ill themselves.

At the same time, the organization is also concerned about directives from provincial education departments prohibiting the sale of food on school premises.

Alana Bailey, head of cultural affairs at AfriForum, said they agree that measures are essential to prevent further cases and deaths, but believes this ban is too drastic as it will negatively affect students or even expose them to danger. elderly.

“For some children, licensed candy stores on school premises are the only option to get a lunch. These vendors also cater for school functions.”

Additionally, some even provide food to privately funded programs that support homeless children.

“In addition, sales provide the opportunity to obtain additional funding for schools. By prohibiting the sale of food from approved vendors who meet the necessary registration and health requirements, students are now forced to purchase food or snacks from unapproved vendors outside of school property. “This exposes them to greater risks, rather than protecting them,” he said.

AfriForum has written to GDE asking it to allow authorized vendors who can demonstrate that they comply with all health requirements and standards to resume selling food in schools.

READ ALSO: Food poisoning hits Bronkhorstspruit school

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