The City of Johannesburg’s Health Department (Environmental Health) recently celebrated World Food Day at Kwa Mai-Mai Market. ​People all over the world celebrate World Food Day on 16 October, which coincides with the date the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation was established in 1945.

The 2022 theme, “Leaving no one behind”, inspired the City to hold an event to inform and inspire food handlers about the significance of food safety and hygiene and the importance of adhering to the legislative provisions regulating food safety.

Various participants from Anova, Region A-G Environmental Health and Primary Health attended. Health education and promotion were the main focus as they form a crucial part of the city’s environmental health services.

Environmental Health practitioners inspected the stands of informal traders because food poisoning is a major issue in food safety and is often caused by improper food-handling practices.

They also educated the vendors on the department’s legal obligation to ensure that food safety in terms of acceptable microbiological, chemical, and quality is maintained from production until consumption.

In addition, a medical screening was conducted, and Health Promoters gave health education.

Among activities during the celebration included competitions such as the “fastest person to finish food”, which was won by Kalvin Mathe from the City of Johannesburg’s Environmental Health Region A, and “most compliant food handler to food hygiene requirements”, which was won by Hlengiwe Mbatha from Tetemani Kitchen, followed by Dorin Ngidi from Ekurhuleni Fast Food on the second position, and Mbali’s Kitchen in third position.

Fisani Sigaba, the Operations Manager for Environmental Health, reported that the event was a success thanks to the cooperation of the informal traders and the backing of Induna.

Written by Lesego Lala

21/11/2022