South Africa cracks down on food outlets that do not comply with health and safety

In December, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced measures to regulate food-handling businesses after the deaths of about 20 children who ate contaminated products. The measures included registering all food outlets and their compliance with health and safety regulations. On Friday (February 28), the deadline for registration expired and the businesses that have not complied with the procedure will risk arrests, fines, and closures. A statement from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), the operational arm of the justice and security government departments, excluded extensions of the registration deadline “as ample time was given to business owners to comply with the presidential directive.” Meanwhile, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and other cabinet representatives said there had been progress in implementing measures to guarantee food safety. To obtain a licence or a permit to trade, business owners must comply with health regulations and municipal by-laws on business conduct. Those who do not comply will face fines, arrests, and even the closure of their activities.
The government implemented other measures to protect children from harmful products, including the classification of certain pesticides and insecticides as “dangerous objects” that can not be used on school premises. In addition, the city of Johannesburg conducted a campaign to reduce rat infestations and cut down the use of pesticides.