In the wake of alarming food borne illnesses leading to the tragic deaths of children across South Africa, FoodForward SA (FFSA) has issued a clarion call for immediate reform and stringent oversight in food safety measures.
FFSA, an organisation dedicated to mitigating food insecurity by rescuing and redistributing high-quality food to those most in need, highlights that the latest incidents underscore systemic weaknesses exacerbated by poverty and unemployment.
The organisation reveals that this outcry is compounded by the haunting memories of the nation’s devastating 2017 listeriosis outbreak, a crisis that revealed significant vulnerabilities within the country’s food supply chain.
The urgency of the situation was outlined by FFSA’s Managing Director, Andy Du Plessis, who stated, “Food safety is essential. It is the foundation of our work and central to our mission of alleviating hunger. We prioritise the food safety of the nutritious food we provide to these vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by this crisis.”
Du Plessis states that millions of South Africans are left vulnerable, turning to informal food sources that frequently operate outside of regulated environments.
He says reports of warehouses selling expired products, alongside instances of schoolchildren facing hospitalisation due to suspected food poisoning, unmask the critical state of food safety in the country.
“The approach to food safety is not just about compliance,” emphasised Namhla Skweyiya, Food Safety Specialist and Board Member of FFSA.
“It is about building trust and ensuring the well-being of the communities we serve. We train our staff and provide educational resources to our partners, empowering them to maintain high safety standards.”
Regular audits, both internal and third-party, ensure compliance with hygiene and safety protocols. The organisation goes further by requiring all beneficiary organisations to pass food-safety audits before receiving food, reinforcing the standards of safe handling and preparation.
In light of the current crisis, it also advocates for joint action among government bodies, food producers, and community organisations. “By working together, we can strengthen regulations, improve public awareness, and ensure safe food distribution for all South Africans,” says Du Plessis.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za