MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has revealed that more than 16,000 Gauteng food sellers have been non-compliant when it comes to food safety regulations since 2020. Ralehoko revealed this when she was answering questions by Nazley Sharif, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Economic Development in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

NON-COMPLIANT

According to Nkomo-Ralehoko's response to the DA, over 16,240 formal food establishments are non-compliant with food safety regulations in the province. Sharif said this is putting the lives of residents at risk of food poisoning. "It is worrying considering that there have been 423 cases of food poisoning over the last four years and 23 kids have died this year," she said.

EMPLOY FOOD INSPECTORS

Sharif said that given the high number of formal food establishments that are not compliant with food safety regulations, it is clear that there is a need for more health inspectors in the province. "The lack of health inspectors is putting the lives of our residents at risk. To prevent contamination of food, strict protocols need to be followed when preparing food, especially by restaurants and fast-food outlets," she said. She added that the DA has already tabled questions to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, to determine exactly how many health inspectors are there for each municipality and how many vacancies there are. "The DA will continue to demand that where there are vacancies, these are filled immediately."