Business owners in Standerton call for regulation of informal stalls

In Standerton and Morgenzon, informal food stalls have become a fixture, but business owners express concern about the legality of these stalls.

According to the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972, published in the Government Gazette in June 2018, no food may be handled and sold to the public without a certificate of acceptability.

This regulation further states the premises where someone handles food must be sanitary and not be a health hazard or it will be shut down.

In several cases, food stalls in Morgenzon and Standerton do not seem sanitary, with food being cooked in rusted pots in open spaces. Local business owner Corné van Dijk expressed concern about the matter during a visit to Morgenzon.

“I have to ensure all of my permits are up to date yearly and that food in my shops has not expired. However, these stalls are not being monitored the same,” said Van Dijk.

Informal food stalls are not often inspected to ensure the safety of the food being served. Several of these stalls do not display their certificates of approval, as outlined in Act 54.

According to Lubabalo Majenge, head of communication for Lekwa Local Municipality (LLM), it is the responsibility of the environmental health practitioners of the district municipality to ensure the safety of food-handling facilities.

“They monitor food-handling facilities quarterly and when required,” stated Majenge.

However, the municipality cannot regulate stalls if they do not know about them. Majenge stated no business may continue if they cannot provide proper proof of registration.

The LLM is of the opinion that most informal food stalls in Standerton are registered. However, formal business owners call for a review of informal stalls’ registration status.

“It is unfair that legitimate business owners must ensure they handed in their correct documentation when informal stalls continue business without the same regulations,” concluded Van Dijk.

The LLM encourages businesses in Lekwa to apply for business licenses and permits to ensure compliance with the Business Act 71 of 1991.

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