The City of Cape Town has reported a significant rise in food-related complaints, with cases increasing by 55% from 128 in 2023 to 199 in 2024.
The sharp uptick reflects growing public concern over food safety.
Notably, the surge was most evident in November and December, coinciding with heightened food safety awareness across the country during that period.
Common issues include concerns about food durability dates, unhygienic food premises, and food quality.
‘The increase in complaints tracks with the increased publicity around food safety matters. It’s an indication of greater public awareness, although we are under no illusion that much work still needs to be done, amongst businesses but also consumers. For example, there is no such thing as expired food in South African law. It is critical that we all develop an understanding of the regulations, and also how food labelling works to reduce the risk of misinformation and ultimately, food wast
City Health records 55% increase in food-related service requests
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— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) January 22, 2025
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‘In recent months, the focus has been on businesses, but it is important to remember that food safety is as critical in the home. This includes knowing how to handle and appropriately store food items, but also effective hygiene like handwashing and clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
South African regulations mandate date markings on food labels but do not recognise the term ‘expired food’.
Labels typically use terms like ‘best before’, ‘sell by’, and ‘use by’, with perishables not to be sold past the ‘use by’ date.
In response to national directives, 6 510 spaza shop owners in Cape Town applied for Certificates of Acceptability (COA) between mid-November and December 2024 to comply with hygiene and food safety standards.
Most applications came from areas such as Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
Additionally, 276 fines were issued in late 2024 under food safety laws, the City said.
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