Report illegal food outlets – CoE
This move comes in response to a concerning rise in food-borne illnesses, particularly those affecting children across various parts of the country.
The City of Ekurhuleni has announced that it will ramp up food hygiene and safety inspections at food-handling premises, including spaza shops, with immediate effect.
This move comes in response to a concerning rise in food-borne illnesses, particularly those affecting children across various parts of the country.
Nomadlozi Nkosi, the MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate, urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing food to protect their health, particularly in safeguarding young children.
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“We also encourage the public to be vigilant when purchasing foodstuffs to safeguard their well-being. It may be difficult to monitor the young ones, but let us work together to ensure that they are also protected,” Nkosi said.
She emphasised that certified food-handling premises, which comply with municipal hygiene standards, typically display a food business permit or licence known as the certificate of acceptability.
“If that certificate is not there, that is a cause for concern,” explained Nkosi.
To ensure better compliance, the MMC encouraged businesses that are not yet compliant to come forward and register.
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She also urged members of the public to report illegal food trading facilities by contacting the city’s environmental health offices, with several dedicated numbers available across various Ekurhuleni areas, including Alberton, Germiston, Edenvale, Boksburg and more.
The city has further urged residents not to take matters into their own hands but to allow relevant authorities to handle violations appropriately.
The intensified inspections aim to ensure public health safety, addressing concerns about food handling and hygiene practices in the area.
