The Joburg Market recently hosted a comprehensive food safety compliance workshop at its Opportunity Centre. This workshop aimed to equip independent traders and vendors operating within Joburg Market’s premises, including those at Unity Market, Tshiamo Market, Apple Queens, and various informal trading stalls, with essential knowledge of critical food safety standards.
Joburg Market recognised the urgent need to promote food safety in light of the tragic deaths of children who ate products from a Soweto spaza shop and ensure that all traders adhere to strict food safety standards, safeguarding public health at the market.
Mqhele Mlotshwa, Senior Manager Property, stated that Joburg Market has taken a proactive approach to food safety compliance: “We are assessing our current standing with regard to acceptable food premise standards, and where we find gaps, we are committed to making improvements.”
Mlotshwa emphasised that the inspection initiative, which began this year, is designed not only to safeguard consumers but also to strengthen the market’s reputation for safe food. “Our consumers rely on us for safe and healthy products, and maintaining high standards of food safety is essential for the growth and trustworthiness of the market,” he added.
Gugulethu Lukhele, Environmental Health Practitioner at COJ, highlighted the importance of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) for any business owner selling food. “Obtaining a COA requires strict adherence to hygiene standards in food premises, along with a valid business licence. This includes essential practices like maintaining cleanliness, ensuring the proper separation of raw and cooked foods, and following the ‘five keys to safe food,’ which are crucial for those preparing meals for the public,” said Lukhele.
Lukhele highlighted the food safety rules as foundational practices to prevent contamination: keeping premises clean, keeping food at safe temperatures, cooking food thoroughly, using safe water, and maintaining hand hygiene.
“It is essential to observe these standards consistently to ensure consumer safety. The COA is specific to the premises it covers and is non-transferable. Failure to produce a COA during inspections can result in a R5,000 fine,” concluded Lukhele.
Dumisani Ndiwa, Property Inspector at Joburg Market, stressed the market’s commitment to supporting traders in achieving compliance. “Joburg Market and COJ will continue to offer training sessions and workshops for leaseholders, ensuring that everyone understands and abides by these standards. There will be no leniency for shop owners who fail to adhere to these regulations. Vendors found using counterfeit licences during recent inspections were addressed accordingly, underscoring the market’s zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance,” said Ndiwa.
The introductory session of the workshop was a success, equipping food handlers with essential knowledge and practical steps to prioritise food safety. This initiative marks a significant step in Joburg Market’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all food vendors comply with best practices for safe food, ultimately protecting the well-being of the public.
For more information on applying for a business licence and a Certificate of Acceptability (COA), visit Eureka House, 2nd Floor, 92 Marlborough Road, Springfield. You can also contact them at 011 012 8405 or 083 231 2618.
Written by Nonhlanhla Mbonambi
20/11/2024
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