Following the shutdown of three spaza shops in Plain earlier this week the City said inspectors found \u201csignificant non-compliance\u201d with health regulations during routine inspections.<\/p>\n
This follows earlier reports that community leaders in Tafelsig had raised alarm over expired food and poor hygiene conditions at several local shops.<\/p>\n
According to the City\u2019s Health Department, the closures took place on January 6 when the City\u2019s Health Department conducted routine inspections at food premises in the area.<\/p>\n
They said: \u201cThe City\u2019s Health Department routinely inspects premises that sell food as required in terms of national health regulations. During these inspections, significant non-compliance with health standards were observed at three spaza premises in the Mitchells Plain area.\u201d<\/p>\n
The City added that health regulations allow inspectors to immediately prohibit a business from trading if serious health risks are found.<\/p>\n
Despite community claims that shop owners should be given warnings, the City said the law does not require prior notice when public health is at risk.<\/p>\n
They added: \u201cHealth legislation does not specify that prior notification or warning is required, and City Health only prohibits trading where significant health hazards are observed at the time of inspection.\u201d<\/p>\n
The municipality explained that inspections of food premises, including spaza shops, are done on a risk-based system depending on conditions found at the premises, the type of food sold and a history of previous violations.<\/p>\n
All shops that sell food are required to comply with national hygiene regulations, including the Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises.<\/p>\n
The City said it is continuing efforts to improve compliance and protect the public from unsafe food.<\/p>\n
They added: \u201cCity Health enforces food safety regulations at all premises that sell food. The department conducts routine inspections, collects and analyses food samples, investigates complaints and incidences of food-borne illness, and addresses violations to prevent outbreaks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shop owners can apply for health certification online at no cost and can also access free food safety training offered by the department.<\/p>\n
In terms of the law, all food premises must display a Certificate of Acceptability in a visible place.<\/p>\n
The City urged consumers to check for these certificates before buying food and to report any suspected unhygienic food handling.<\/p>\n
Any persons wishing to alert the City to unhygienic handling of food can do so via the City complaint line at 0860 103 089 or online.<\/p>\n
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