SABC News hosted ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants, who led the beach water study based on the blue flag status regarding the safety of the beaches in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality during the 2023 festive season.
ASC shared delightful news with the public, as it was reported that most of the beaches in Nelson Mandela tested negative for faecal coliforms. However, one of the five beaches was found to be non-compliant with the blue flag status: the New Brighton beach tested positive for faecal coliforms. The dangers related to the use of the New Brighton beach were discussed in the interview.
Media Outlet: SABC News
ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Interviewed: Mthokozisi Nkosi
Date: 03 December 2023
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Key facts
- ASC Food Safety Consultants featured on SABC News to discuss the state of Nelson Mandela Bay beaches during the 2023 festive season.
- Most beaches in Nelson Mandela Bay tested negative for faecal coliforms.
- New Brighton beach tested positive for faecal coliforms and was found non-compliant with blue flag status.
- One of the five beaches assessed did not meet the blue flag water quality standard.
- Mthokozisi Nkosi, ASC's Public Health and Food Safety Specialist, discussed the health dangers linked to using New Brighton beach in the interview.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nelson Mandela Bay beach was found unsafe during the 2023 festive season?
New Brighton beach tested positive for faecal coliforms and was found non-compliant with blue flag status. In the SABC News interview, ASC discussed the dangers related to using this beach. Most other Nelson Mandela Bay beaches tested negative for faecal coliforms.
How many of the Nelson Mandela Bay beaches met blue flag standards?
Of the five beaches assessed, one was found to be non-compliant with blue flag status. That non-compliant beach was New Brighton beach, which tested positive for faecal coliforms. Most of the beaches in Nelson Mandela Bay tested negative for faecal coliforms.
Who represented ASC Food Safety Consultants in the SABC News interview?
Mthokozisi Nkosi, ASC's Public Health and Food Safety Specialist, featured in the SABC News interview. He discussed the state of Nelson Mandela Bay beaches during the 2023 festive season, including the health dangers associated with using New Brighton beach.
What are faecal coliforms and why do they matter for beach water?
Faecal coliforms are bacteria used as an indicator of water quality, and their presence is why New Brighton beach was flagged as non-compliant. In the SABC News interview, ASC discussed the health dangers linked to using a beach where faecal coliforms tested positive. Most Nelson Mandela Bay beaches tested negative for faecal coliforms.