VUYISWA RAMOKGOPA: Formalise food safety practices to safeguard supply for the future of our children

In recent weeks, South Africa has faced a distressing reality regarding food safety, particularly for our most vulnerable population - children.

Since February 2024, Gauteng has reported over 200 cases of food poisoning, resulting in at least 16 fatalities, predominantly among children. The Gauteng Department of Health has indicated that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher due to underreporting in many communities.

This alarming trend emerges amidst a backdrop of severe food insecurity, where millions struggle to access sufficient food, raising concerns about the safety of even the limited food available.

The increase in food poisoning incidents serves as a critical wake-up call to reinforce our food systems and implement stringent safety and quality controls throughout the production process.

Merely increasing food availability is insufficient; we must ensure that the food consumed is safe and uncontaminated. This concern is particularly pressing in township areas, where informal food vendors play a vital role in providing affordable meals. Unfortunately, the absence of formalised health standards for these vendors places consumers at significant risk.

To combat this issue effectively, it is essential to prioritise the formalisation of food safety practices across all sectors, including informal markets. The role of government food inspectors is crucial; they act as a vital line of defence to ensure that all food production and handling adhere to basic health standards.

Every food product sold in Gauteng must comply with these standards, featuring clear labelling and transparent quality checks to safeguard consumer health. This effort requires collaboration among various Gauteng departments, including Agriculture, Economic Development, Health, and Basic Education and municipalities, to ensure that by-laws are enforced.

Ensuring the safety of our food supply relies on rigorous enforcement of safety protocols at every stage - from production to consumption. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) will take the lead in guaranteeing that all consumables manufactured in Gauteng are free from contamination.

GDARD-affiliated agro-processing facilities are already aligned with these safety standards, establishing a critical precedent for future actions.

This issue transcends public health; it is about restoring trust in our food systems at a time when many South Africans are grappling with food insecurity and limited choices.

Food safety is not merely an option; it is an essential requirement. The tragic loss of lives underscores the urgency for decisive action to protect our children and communities from further incidents of food poisoning.

Food safety, in this context, is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Sixteen deaths are enough.