SABC News recently hosted ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants in an interview to discuss the rising rates of Food Safety incidents in South Africa. The conversation centred around what could be the culprit behind the occurrences threatening the lives of South Africans.
The interview discusses how Food Safety incidents and mortality rates have been associated with poor enforcement of the current Food Safety regulations in various parts of the supply chain. The lack of government oversight of retailers and traders to monitor compliance has been a significant cause of Food Safety incidents.
The discussion also touched on the significant risks of inadequate pest control management. Highly hazardous pesticides are readily available for domestic use and sold without control. There is poor compliance with Act 36 of 1947 for chemical handling. It was discussed that food business owners often lack awareness of the dangers associated with the pest control chemicals they use.
Effective control in the supply chain is crucial, from purchasing registered chemicals to their safe application. Mthokozisi further explained that poor handling of these chemicals can lead to product contamination, particularly during repackaging, and may result in harmful substances entering the final product, consequently leading to food safety incidents.
Media Outlet: SABC News
ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Interviewed: Mthokozisi Nkosi
Date: 16 November 2024
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Key facts
- ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Mthokozisi Nkosi was interviewed on SABC News on 16 November 2024 about food safety in South Africa.
- The interview links food safety incidents and mortality to poor enforcement of current food safety regulations across the supply chain.
- A lack of government oversight of retailers and traders to monitor compliance is identified as a significant cause of food safety incidents.
- Highly hazardous pesticides are readily available for domestic use without adequate control, alongside poor compliance with Act 36 of 1947 on chemical handling.
- Many food business owners are unaware of the dangers of the pest control chemicals they use, and improper handling can contaminate products during repackaging.
- The interview stresses that effective control across the supply chain is crucial, from purchasing registered chemicals to their safe application.
Frequently asked questions
Who did ASC Food Safety Consultants send to the SABC News interview and when?
ASC sent Mthokozisi Nkosi, its Public Health and Food Safety Specialist, to the SABC News interview. The interview took place on 16 November 2024 and focused on food safety regulations and pest control chemicals in South Africa.
Why are food safety incidents rising in South Africa according to the interview?
The interview attributes food safety incidents and associated mortality to poor enforcement of the current food safety regulations across the supply chain. A key factor is the lack of government oversight of retailers and traders to monitor compliance.
What did the interview say about pest control chemicals and food safety?
It highlighted that highly hazardous pesticides are readily available for domestic use without adequate control, and that there is poor compliance with Act 36 of 1947 on chemical handling. Many food business owners are unaware of the dangers of the chemicals they use, and improper handling can contaminate products, especially during repackaging.
What law governs pest control chemical handling mentioned in the article?
The article references Act 36 of 1947 in relation to compliance with chemical handling for pest control substances. It notes that poor compliance with this Act contributes to food safety risks.
How can contaminated products reach consumers according to ASC?
According to ASC's specialist, improper handling of pest control chemicals can cause product contamination, particularly during repackaging. This can allow harmful substances to enter final products and cause food safety incidents, which is why control across the supply chain, from purchasing registered chemicals to safe application, is crucial.