City of Cape Town says it received over 6,000 applications for spaza shop certificates of acceptability
The city said action against food premises that pose a threat to the public is ongoing.
FILE: A spaza shop. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town said it has received over 6,000 applications for spaza shop certificates of acceptability (COA).
This came after President Cyril Ramaphosa made an announcement on 15 November, calling on all spaza shop owners countrywide to register their businesses.
ALSO READ: Over 49k spaza shops, food handling stores applied to be registered on govt's database - Hlabisa
The call followed the deaths of more than 20 children who died from foodborne illnesses traced to snacks bought at local spaza shops.
Over 800 food poisoning incidents were reported across all provinces.
The city said action against food premises that pose a threat to the public is ongoing.
"COAs are only awarded on submission of all relevant documentation, and a physical inspection to ensure that the premises comply with legislative requirements,” said the metro's MMC for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross.
“After a certificate of acceptability is issued, all premises are routinely monitored to ensure ongoing compliance. These visits ensure that standards are maintained."
Spaza shop traders have been given until 25 February 2025 to register their businesses.