Following the raid on an illegal peanut butter factory in Zandfontein, the metro’s health department says its environmental health practitioners (EHP) play a vital role in the city’s food safety.
The joint special operation took place on the evening of August 29 in Zandfontein 317-JR, which falls in Region 3 of the metro.
The role players included the EHPs, SAPS and the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
The raid was the first of its kind in Region 3. The inspections uncovered illegal food premises making peanut butter without the necessary Certificate of Acceptability.
The premises contravened the metro’s Land Use Rights for operating a business not zoned for that purpose.
“The Health Department conducts routine inspections of known food premises in the city. Where food premises do not comply with health regulations, statutory notices, fines, and prohibition notices are issued to the person in charge of such food premises.
In the case of the illegal premises in question, five fines to the value of R15 000 were issued to the owner/person in charge of the food premises. In addition, the premises were prohibited from operating until all relevant requirements were met,” said Tshwane health department spokesperson, Natashia Chhiba.
The department believes its efforts along with those of fellow stakeholders demonstrate the vital role they play in preserving food safety in the metro.
EHPs execute their food safety mandate through regular food safety compliance inspections of premises, including schools, restaurants, and government food facilities.
Notices and fines are issued in terms of non-compliance and may include prohibition orders to close businesses.
Certificates of Food Acceptability under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act Regulation R638 are issued for compliant food premises.
The department offers training on the principles and practices of food safety and hygiene for food handlers and persons in charge of food premises.
The department pioneered the Tshwane Meat Coordinating Forum (TMCF), a multidisciplinary and advisory body working to ensure access to quality meat and meat products that are wholesome, safe and that meet legislative requirements.
“EHPs also play a key role when major events are held. Event organisers must obtain a Certificate of Food Acceptability, as well as a food distribution plan to ensure food safety during an event,” said Chhiba.
Ward 1 councillor, Leon Kruyshaar, who took part in the raid, said this was only the beginning and that they intend to inspect many more premises in the area.
“We will not stop, we are going to visit all these shops in the region. If you have any of these products in your house, please discard them, it’s a serious health risk,” he said.
The councillor said the location was masquerading as a church, where the illegal goods were being produced in the back.
Kruyshaar described the health conditions as extreme, saying the peanut butter was scooped by hand into bottles and that the quality of the ingredients and machinery used was shocking.
“To think that this food makes it to our tables, ward 1, 55, 54…etc is very scary. The health conditions here are extreme,” Kruyshaar.
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