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.
Gauteng Province has seen an alarming rate of foodborne illnesses across all five districts, resulting in 742 reported incidents and 30 tragic deaths, mainly among children. A significant number of these cases have been linked to food contamination in both schools and communities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention and response strategies.
To address this crisis, the GDoH’s Environmental Health Practitioners, in collaboration with other stakeholders, launched a year-long food safety blitz from January to December 2024. Through this initiative, a total of 11,928 inspections were conducted at formal premises and 4,301 at informal premises to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
In addition, a comprehensive system for monitoring and improving food safety has been established where all five districts submit regular reports for assessment. Stakeholders also hold monthly and weekly meetings to discuss challenges, mitigate strategies and monitor progress in food and chemical safety. This proactive approach facilitates the identification of issues and implementation of effective solutions to ensure a safer environment.
The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will participate in the webinar joined by speakers from various organisations such as WHO, University of Johannesburg, Department of Agriculture, Gauteng Department of Economic Development, National Health Laboratory Service and the Spaza Shop Association.
The webinar aligns with this year’s WFSD theme, "Food Safety: Science in Action, which highlights the vital role of scientific knowledge in improving food safety practices and protecting public health.
Members of the media are invited to participate as follows:
Date: Friday, 23 May 2025.
Time: 09H00 am
Platform: MS Teams
Media RSVPs can be directed to Ms Andisiwe Ciya on email: andisiwe.ciya@gauteng.gov.za on or before 16:00 today (22 May).
A link will only be provided to those who have confirmed their attendance.
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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health
Tags:
foodsafety
