​In a build-up towards World Food Safety Day observed annually on the 7th of June, the Gauteng Department of Health will on Friday, 23 May 2025, host a webinar to address challenges in food and chemical safety, promote best practices and enhance compliance. It will also allow for the sharing of innovative initiatives and encourage participants to adhere to safety standards and protect public health and the environment.

Food safety refers to the handling, preparation and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances causes approximately 600 million cases of foodborne diseases annually, leading to 420,000 deaths worldwide. Children under five years old are especially vulnerable.