A series of incidents in the City of Ekurhuleni have led to the city issuing a warning on spaza shops.
Six deaths and hospitilisations were allegedly linked to the consumption of expired food from spaza shops and street hawkers, according to SA Gov News.
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CITY OF EKURHULENI URGES PUBLIC TO BE VIGILANT AT SPAZA SHOPS
City authorities state, “The City’s Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) have heightened food hygiene inspections to halt unsafe practices.
We encourage the public to buy from premises with a Certificate of Acceptability issued after meeting safety standards.”
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Highlighting the importance of identifying fresh food, officials provided guidance:
“Best Before” or “Best Before End: indicates the end of the fully marketable period; products may remain satisfactory beyond this date.
“Sell By” or “Display Until: Last day for sale, with a reasonable storage period at home; products past this date should not be sold.
“Use By“: This signifies the end of the estimated quality period; such products must be removed and not sold.
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Certain items are exempt from date markings, such as some alcoholic products, chewing gum, and untreated fruits and vegetables.
Residents are urged to report any spaza shop selling expired or counterfeit products to the City of Ekurhuleni environmental health offices.
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RAIDS CONDUCTED IN OTHER PROVINCES
The pattern intensified when 47 children were hospitalized in Vaal’s Sebokeng Hospital, allegedly due to consuming snacks from local spaza shops.
To tackle this issue, a nationwide initiative is underway, focusing on safeguarding consumer rights and safety.
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North West Premier Nono Maloyi, conducted raids on outlets owned by foreign nationals.
These inspections took place in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality’s Ganyesa, with the aim of ensuring business compliance.
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