South Africa has launched a comprehensive campaign to combat unsafe food practices, targeting informal markets, food manufacturers, and consumer awareness in a bid to safeguard public health.
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on November 15, authorities have intensified inspections, visiting nearly 200,000 spaza shops. Over 1,000 non-compliant businesses, including spaza shops, supermarkets, and warehouses, have been shut down, and significant quantities of unsafe goods have been confiscated.
The government’s action comes amid growing concerns over expired, counterfeit, and improperly stored food products, particularly in informal markets. President Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of the measures, stating, “The health and safety of our citizens is of paramount importance. This decisive action demonstrates our commitment to ensuring food safety across South Africa.”
Key initiatives include stricter oversight of food manufacturers, including monitoring pesticide usage, with a focus on compliance with safety standards. The government is also addressing the use of Terbufos, a pesticide under scrutiny.
To support local businesses in complying with health regulations, a R500 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fund is being finalized, targeting township and rural enterprises. Businesses have been given 21 days from November 15 to register with local municipalities or face closure.
Consumer awareness is a central component of the campaign. Citizens are urged to inspect food labels, check expiry dates, and report unsafe products through a dedicated hotline (012 065 1940). Parents are also encouraged to educate children on food safety and hygiene practices.
The crackdown aims to strengthen South Africa’s food supply chain and ensure compliance with strict health standards, marking a pivotal step in protecting public well-being and curbing foodborne illnesses.