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30 March 2022 MEDIA RELEASE: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ENSURING HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AT KKNK AND OTHER FESTIVALS

MEDIA RELEASE: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ENSURING HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AT KKNK AND OTHER FESTIVALS

For Immediate Release
30 March 2022

In terms of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Health Services is one of the primary functions of a district municipality. Section 1 of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), defines municipal health services as the following key performance areas:

  • Disposal of the Dead.
  • Environmental Pollution Control.
  • Food Control.
  • Health Surveillance of Premises.
  • Surveillance and Prevention of Communicable Diseases.
  • Vector Control / Monitoring.
  • Waste Management.
  • Water Quality Monitoring.
  • Chemical Safety

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK)

This National Arts festival takes place from Tuesday 29 March until Sunday 3 April 2022 in Oudtshoorn.

During the Festival, EHPs of GRDM conduct routine inspections and monitor all environmental health aspects, such as food stalls, solid waste storage- and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, camping sites, etc.

EHPs are doing daily inspections at the different events and premises at the KKNK. They will ensure that all food preparation activities conform to hygienic requirements and that waste-water, solid waste and sanitation facilities are sufficient. The EHP officials will also form part of the daily KKNK Joint Operation Centre (JOC) meetings to address all health-related matters.

On the first day of the KKNK, EHPs inspected all food stalls for compliance with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, Section 3(1) and determine if the owner has a Certificate of Acceptability.

FOOD STALLS

During festivals, food control is a mandatory regulation that enforces consumer protection. It ensures that food is safe and wholesome for consumption during preparation, handling, storage, processing, and distribution. Furthermore, that food conforms to the quality and safety requirements as prescribed by R146 of 1 March 2010 and is labelled correctly.

EHPs ensure that food is kept at safe temperatures; food handlers wear proper protective clothing; food stalls are kept clean and hygienic, and no animals except guide dogs are allowed in food stalls. Also, food should be protected from contamination by using good manufacturing practices and the best methods available.  EHPs also take food samples to ensure the food is safe.

GRDM already had discussions with the KKNK management regarding the issuing of Certificates of Acceptance (COA). To be approved for a food stall for the duration of the KKNK, a COA is required from the GRDM Municipal Health Office. Food stall owners were provided with a copy of the hygienic guidelines to ensure they knew the hygienic and health regulations for selling food at KKNK. Environmental Health Practitioners have provided food hygiene education and training to all food handlers and will do this going forward.

PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES

KKNK will provide adequate toilet facilities and will maintain and clean the sanitation facilities. The EHPs will monitor public toilets daily and report unhygienic conditions to the KKNK office.  Additionally, EHP will ensure that restaurants inside and outside the festival area provide access to toilets and handwashing facilities.

WASTE WATER AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The KKNK and Oudtshoorn Municipality are responsible for providing wastewater collection facilities, while the EHPs monitor the storage and disposal of solid waste. To prevent health nuisances, it is imperative that waste water and refuse bins are removed quickly.

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES/CAMPING SITES

GRDM EHPs carried out inspections at accommodation facilities and guest houses before the commencement of the KKNK. They ensure that all guest houses that provide food to the public comply with R638 of 2018 and must have a COA for food premises

Minimum requirements regarding refuse removal, water provision, sanitation, and regular cleaning of camping sites were compiled in the past, and EHPs will regularly monitor facilities at camping sites.

SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES: TOBACCO CONTROL ACT

Premises, where meals are provided for consumption in a room, building, or tent, will be monitored. As stipulated in Regulation 975 notice relating to Smoking of Tobacco Products in Public Places, the rules regarding smoking in public places must be adhered to.

Smoking areas must conform to national legislation.  Event coordinators must provide guests access to a designated smoking area.  Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited.

After the festival, the EHPs participate in debriefing sessions to discuss the best practices and challenges identified.

For any further information, please contact GRDM Klein Karoo Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr. Desmond Paulse

Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)

Tel: 044 272 2241

Cell: 083 678 6530

Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

 Mr. Johan Compion

Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services

E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za

Tel: 044 803 1300