Gauteng’s MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has revealed a worrying statistic: over 16,000 food establishments in the province have been found non-compliant with food safety regulations since 2020. This staggering number includes both formal food outlets like restaurants and fast food chains. The revelation, made during a session of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in response to questions from the DA’s spokesperson for Economic Development, Nazley Sharif, has sparked concerns over the safety of food in the province.
According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, a total of 16,240 food establishments have been flagged for failing to adhere to the necessary safety and hygiene standards. This is particularly alarming given the rise in foodborne illnesses and deaths in recent years. Sharif, who raised the issue during the session, expressed deep concern over the implications for public health. “It is worrying considering that there have been 423 cases of food poisoning over the last four years and 23 children have died this year alone from food-related illnesses,” Sharif said.
The number of non-compliant establishments underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety across the province. With an increasing number of people dining out or purchasing ready-made meals, especially in urban areas like Johannesburg and Pretoria, the risk of contamination is growing. Despite regulations in place, many businesses have either failed to maintain proper hygiene standards or cut corners when it comes to food safety protocols.
One of the key issues identified by Sharif is the shortage of health inspectors in Gauteng. According to Sharif, the number of food safety inspectors is insufficient to monitor the vast number of food outlets in the province. “The lack of health inspectors is putting the lives of our residents at risk,” she said. She added that strict food safety protocols must be followed, particularly in high-risk establishments like restaurants and fast food outlets, to prevent contamination.
Sharif has called for the immediate filling of vacancies in the Department of Health’s inspection division, stressing that these inspectors play a critical role in ensuring the public’s safety. The DA has already submitted inquiries to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, to obtain more details on the number of health inspectors available per municipality and the extent of vacancies that need to be addressed.
The DA has made it clear that it will continue to push for more robust enforcement of food safety regulations. Sharif emphasized that the government must act urgently to prevent further cases of food poisoning and ensure that food establishments adhere to the required hygiene and safety standards. “The DA will continue to demand that where there are vacancies, these are filled immediately to protect the health of Gauteng’s residents,” Sharif stated.
The death of 23 children from food poisoning this year alone is a stark reminder of the need for swift action. As the number of non-compliant establishments continues to rise, it is clear that without adequate monitoring, the risk of more tragic outcomes remains high.
