Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

17 March 2025

This year, the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) will take place in Oudtshoorn for the 29th time. The festival will begin on 1 April and conclude on 6 April 2025. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel has also met with the KKNK organisers to take hands and partner with them. The GRDM will therefore be present at the KKNK to support it and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) to monitor of food stalls comply with health standards.

EHPs are, amongst others, responsible for Food Control, Solid Waste Management, and Health Surveillance of Premises. With this in mind, the EHPs from the GRDM will once again conduct inspections at the festival’s food stalls to ensure compliance with Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.

During the festival, EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health office will conduct daily routine inspections and monitor various environmental health aspects, including food stalls, solid waste storage and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, and camping sites.

The EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers during inspections. By doing so, they help ensure that all food stored, handled, and prepared at food stalls is safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, while also conforming to the applicable quality and safety requirements prescribed by legislation.

Additionally, the EHP team carries out inspections and monitors public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, and refuse disposal and removal. They also ensure compliance with regulations relating to smoking in public places and certain outdoor public areas.

What are the Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?

1. Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA)  in terms of R638 of 22 June 2018.
2. The COA must be available at the food stall and be visible to the public.
3. People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
4. Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full-length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
5. Proper facilities must be provided for the storage of perishable foodstuffs at temperatures under 5°C for cold food and above 65° for warm food.
6. All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
7. Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
8. Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
9. Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
10. A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
11. Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
12. If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
13. All pre-packed food must be properly labelled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of wastewater until disposal thereof.
14. The stall / premises where food is handled, must always be kept clean and in a hygienic condition.
15. Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited and is only allowed in designated smoking area.

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
Senior Manager: Municipal Health Services, Waste Management and Air Quality Control
E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

Download the Requirements for Informal Food Premises