Bulawayo councillors have raised growing concerns about the safety of food products sold in tuckshops, following reports of food poisoning incidents in neighbouring South Africa.
Several cases of food poisoning in South Africa have been linked to Spaza shops, particularly in Gauteng, where over 20 children have died after consuming contaminated food allegedly bought from these informal township shops.
This has led the South African government to declare the situation a national disaster.
During a recent Full Council Meeting, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu said that many of the food products sold in Bulawayo are imported from South Africa, which has raised fears about the safety and quality of the items being sold locally. Said Ndlovu:
In South Africa, this issue has become a public health emergency. They have recorded a high number of deaths of children caused by food they buy from spaza shops.
We are worried as a city because we know that most of the stuff that we sell in these grocery shops and tuck shops are products that we buy from the neighbouring country.
What measures has the responsible committee taken to ensure that the food products sold in these shops are suitable and safe?
A member of the Health, Housing and Education Committee, Ward 2 Cllr Rendani Moyo, allayed the fears, saying there is adequate enforcement of the law to regulate the sale of foodstuffs in the city. Said Moyo:
We are making concerted and frantic efforts to make sure there is adequate enforcement of the law to regulate the activities at these locations. We also have environmental health personnel to inspect all outlets to ensure that operations are above board.
If you are a food handler there are rules and regulations you must abide by. Even in the operations of buying and selling groceries and food products, there are specifications that regulate all those who operate in the city.
While South Africa is one of our biggest trading partners as a city, we need to be on high alert to make sure all operations are above board.
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chevecheve · 3 months ago
The recent food poisoning incidents in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, have raised concerns about the safety of food products sold in tuckshops in Bulawayo. With many food products being imported from South Africa, Bulawayo councillors are worried about the potential risks to public health.
Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu expressed concerns about the quality and safety of food products sold in local grocery shops and tuck shops, highlighting the need for measures to ensure public safety. In response, Councillor Rendani Moyo assured that the Health, Housing and Education Committee is taking steps to regulate the sale of foodstuffs in the city.
Moyo mentioned that environmental health personnel are inspecting all outlets to ensure compliance with regulations. Additionally, the city has rules and regulations in place for food handlers, and specifications for buying and selling groceries and food products.
It's reassuring to know that the city is taking proactive measures to address concerns about food safety. However, it's also important for consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious or unhygienic practices in tuckshops and grocery stores.
To further enhance food safety, the city could consider implementing additional measures, such as:
- *Regular inspections*: Increase the frequency of inspections at tuckshops and grocery stores to ensure compliance with regulations.
- *Public awareness campaigns*: Educate consumers about food safety and the importance of reporting suspicious practices.
- *Training for food handlers*: Provide training and resources for food handlers to ensure they understand and comply with regulations.
- *Improved supply chain management*: Work with suppliers to ensure that food products are sourced from reputable and safe sources.
By taking a proactive and multi-faceted approach, Bulawayo can help ensure the safety and quality of food products sold in tuckshops and grocery stores, protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
chevecheve · 3 months ago
Bulawayo councillors have raised growing concerns about the safety of food products sold in tuckshops, following reports of food poisoning incidents in neighbouring South Africa.Several cases of food poisoning in South Africa have been linked to Spaza shops, particularly in Gauteng, where over 20 children have died after consuming contaminated food allegedly bought from these informal township shops.Anita's Natural Hair CareProducts and Services for natural hair. Henna, Indigo, Hair Growth Oil, Antibreakage Treatments, Dandruff Treatments, Deep Moisture Treatments.OpenThis has led the South African government to declare the situation a national disaster.During a recent Full Council Meeting, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu said that many of the food products sold in Bulawayo are imported from South Africa, which has raised fears about the safety and quality of the items being sold locally. Said Ndlovu:In South Africa, this issue has become a public health emergency. They have recorded a high number of deaths of children caused by food they buy from spaza shops.We are worried as a city because we know that most of the stuff that we sell in these grocery shops and tuck shops are products that we buy from the neighbouring country.What measures has the responsible committee taken to ensure that the food products sold in these shops are suitable and safe?A member of the Health, Housing and Education Committee, Ward 2 Cllr Rendani Moyo, allayed the fears, saying there is adequate enforcement of the law to regulate the sale of foodstuffs in the city. Said Moyo:We are making concerted and frantic efforts to make sure there is adequate enforcement of the law to regulate the activities at these locations. We also have environmental health personnel to inspect all outlets to ensure that operations are above board.If you are a food handler there are rules and regulations you must abide by. Even in the operations of buying and selling groceries and food products, there are specifications that regulate all those who operate in the city.While South Africa is one of our biggest trading partners as a city, we need to be on high alert to make sure all operations are above board.