eNCA interviewed ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants to discuss the risk of consuming expired food.
Mthokozisi Nkosi, a food safety expert, explained that consumers have no choice but to rely on food manufacturers to accurately label products and on environmental health practitioners to ensure compliance, especially in Spaza shops, to protect public health.
Mthokozisi urged consumers to avoid expired foods, which pose significant health risks. The difference between “best before” and “expiry” dates was also clarified, highlighting that “best before” dates indicate when a product is at its peak quality. In contrast, “expiry” dates are the last date a product should be consumed to avoid potential health hazards.
The conversation also touched on proper food handling, emphasising temperature control for perishable items. Mthokozisi advised consumers always to buy temperature-sensitive foods, such as dairy and frozen goods, last when shopping. This ensures they are not exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, helping to maintain their safety and quality.
Media Outlet: eNCA
ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Interviewed: Mthokozisi Nkosi
Date: 05 October 2023
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Key facts
- eNCA interviewed ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants, represented by food safety expert Mthokozisi Nkosi, about the risks of consuming expired food.
- Consumers rely on manufacturers to label products accurately and on environmental health practitioners to enforce compliance, particularly in spaza shops, to protect public health.
- A 'best before' date indicates when a product is at its peak quality, while an 'expiry' date is the last date a product should be consumed to avoid potential health hazards.
- Consuming expired foods poses significant health risks, and Mthokozisi urged consumers to avoid them.
- Temperature control matters for perishable items; consumers should buy temperature-sensitive foods like dairy and frozen goods last to limit heat exposure and keep them safe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 'best before' date and an 'expiry' date?
A 'best before' date indicates when a product is at its peak quality, while an 'expiry' date is the last date a product should be consumed. According to ASC food safety expert Mthokozisi Nkosi, eating food past its expiry date can create potential health hazards, so the expiry date is the key safety cut-off.
Is it dangerous to eat expired food?
Yes, consuming expired foods poses significant health risks. In the eNCA interview, ASC's Mthokozisi Nkosi urged consumers to avoid expired foods to protect their health.
How should I handle temperature-sensitive foods like dairy and frozen goods when shopping?
Buy temperature-sensitive foods such as dairy and frozen goods last when shopping. This ensures they are not exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, helping to maintain their safety and quality, as advised by ASC's Mthokozisi Nkosi on eNCA.
Who protects consumers from unsafe or expired food in South Africa?
Consumers rely on food manufacturers to label products accurately and on environmental health practitioners to ensure compliance, especially in spaza shops. ASC food safety expert Mthokozisi Nkosi highlighted this shared responsibility as key to protecting public health.
Who is Mthokozisi Nkosi and what did he discuss on eNCA?
Mthokozisi Nkosi is a food safety expert with ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants. He was interviewed by eNCA to discuss the risks of consuming expired food, covering best before versus expiry dates, health risks, and proper food handling and temperature control.