World Food Safety Day Commemoration - 7 June
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla together with Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, will on Wednesday, 07 June lead the World Food Safety Day Commemorative event to raise awareness about the importance of proper food handling of food to prevent food contamination which may cause to foodborne diseases such as Cholera, Listeriosis, Salmonella Typhoid and Campylobacter.
The 2023 World Food Safety Day commemoration, in its fifth year, will be celebrated under the theme; “Food standards, save lives” which aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agricultural production, market access, tourism and sustainable development.
According to the South African food safety regulatory environment, food safety mandate is a shared responsibility between Departments of Health and Agriculture, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) as well as municipalities.
The Department of Health regularly conducts inspections at food business operators such as manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets to ensure compliance with norms and standards, food storage and proper food handling practices, while the NRCS takes care of canned and frozen products and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is responsible for food production and processing systems.
South Africa developed sectoral standards and guidelines for the agriculture and food industry including household food handling which the school feeding schemes, creches, catering companies, farmers, food processors and the entire citizenry are encouraged to apply.
The Ministers will be joined by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko; MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe; leaders from City of Tshwane councillors and National Regulator for Compulsory Specification (NRCS).
Members of the media ae invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 07 June 2023
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville – Pretoria West
Times: 8h30: Political principals and officials depart the venue (stadium) to local shopping centre and business establishments for inspection to monitor for compliance with food handling and preparation standards.
10h00: Formal Programme commence at the venue.
RSVP: Howard Kgoa at 0798769247 or howard.kgoa@health.gov.za
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental Spokesperson
0724323792
Email: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Spokesperson for Health Minister
063 657 8487
Email: Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za
Mr Motalatale Modiba
Gauteng Health and Wellness Department
064 803 0808
