MEC Lebogang Maile
By Lerato Mpembe
In a bid to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile led a high-profile food safety blitz across spaza shops and supermarkets in Soweto on Monday morning, 23 December 2024. The operation aimed to identify and address violations of food safety laws to protect consumers and promote public health.
The campaign comes in response to a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa urging store owners, including spaza shops, to register their businesses and adhere to health and safety regulations. The blitz also forms part of a broader government effort to clamp down on unsafe food practices, particularly in densely populated areas like Soweto.
Raids on Shoprite and Supa Store Reveal Violations
The inspection kicked off at Shoprite in Dlamini Mall, followed by a visit to Supa Store in Moroka. Both stores were found to have significant violations of food safety standards, including expired food items and the presence of rodent waste on certain products. These issues raise serious concerns about the standards of hygiene and safety in food retail outlets.
Speaking on the findings, MEC Maile said, “With some of the findings, they don’t qualify for closure, but there are weaknesses that we have raised with them, and they have agreed to attend to them. There are a few products that we found on the shelves that have expired, and we have removed those.”
While the stores remain open, notices were issued to address the violations. Maile emphasised that further inspections will follow to ensure compliance and prevent repeat offenses.
The Scope of the Blitz and Collaboration with Law Enforcement
The food safety blitz is not limited to chain stores. Smaller spaza shops and informal food outlets in other areas of Soweto, including White City, are also being targeted. Brigadier Shiva Shiburi from the Moroka Police Station, who accompanied the MEC, highlighted the police’s role in maintaining public safety during the operation.
“Our primary function is to ensure the safety of the public and support compliance efforts. While we have not had incidents of food poisoning reported in this area, these inspections are necessary to prevent future risks,” Brigadier Shiburi said.
The police are also collaborating with various stakeholders to educate business owners about the importance of compliance. “We are planning awareness campaigns to help spaza shop owners understand the importance of registering their businesses and maintaining health standards,” Shiburi added.
Highlighting Hygiene Issues in Large Retail Chains
The discovery of hygiene issues in a major retail chain like Shoprite has sparked broader discussions about accountability in the food retail sector. During the inspection, Maile raised concerns about dirty dairy products, including milk and sour milk boxes, which were unfit for sale.
The MEC questioned the store’s management, asking, “Why would you sell something that looks so dirty to people when you are such a big outlet?” In response, store representatives pledged to improve their hygiene practices and ensure products are safe and clean for consumers.
President’s Directive on Business Registration
The blitz aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive for store owners, including spaza shop operators, to register their businesses. The initiative seeks to formalise the informal economy, enhance regulation, and promote compliance with national health and safety standards.
Unregistered businesses are at risk of penalties, and law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring compliance. While the registration process has faced resistance from some business owners, officials maintain that it is essential for consumer safety and economic stability.
Consumer Advocacy and Public Health Concerns
The campaign has been widely supported by consumer advocacy groups, which have long called for stricter enforcement of food safety laws. Poor hygiene standards and expired food products have been recurring issues in many areas, posing risks to public health.
Health experts warn that consuming expired or contaminated food can lead to severe health issues, including food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, and in extreme cases, death. The focus on compliance and education aims to prevent such risks and promote safer food practices.
Impact on Local Businesses
While the blitz has drawn praise for prioritising public health, some small business owners have expressed concerns about the financial impact of compliance requirements. Many argue that adhering to strict regulations is costly and challenging, particularly for small-scale operators in the informal sector.
In response, government officials have pledged to provide support and guidance to help businesses meet the required standards. “We are not here to shut businesses down. Our aim is to ensure that food sold to the public is safe and meets health standards,” said Maile.
Future Inspections and Compliance Monitoring
The blitz in Soweto is part of an ongoing campaign to improve food safety across Gauteng. The Department of Finance and Economic Development plans to conduct similar inspections in other areas, focusing on both formal and informal food outlets.
Follow-up visits to the inspected stores are also planned to ensure that corrective actions have been implemented. Non-compliant businesses may face stricter penalties, including potential closures, if violations persist.
Building Consumer Trust Through Transparency
The government’s proactive approach to food safety inspections aims to build consumer trust and ensure accountability in the retail sector. Transparency in the inspection process and the enforcement of health regulations are essential for fostering public confidence.
MEC Maile reiterated the importance of consumer rights, stating, “Every South African has the right to access safe and clean food. It is our responsibility to ensure that businesses uphold this standard.”
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