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Municipal Health

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services celebrate Global Handwashing Day at Crèches in Borchards, Donating Supplies to Enhance Learning Environments

GRDM Municipal Health Services celebrate Global Handwashing Day at Crèches in Borchards, Donating Supplies to Enhance Learning Environments

On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.

Visit to Kekkel and Kraai Crèche

At Kekkel and Kraai Crèche in Borchards, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Municipal Health at GRDM, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses. He underscored the need to instil good hygiene practices from an early age. Following his remarks, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from GRDM, conducted a practical demonstration teaching young learners a step-by-step approach to proper handwashing, while stressing the importance of regular and thorough hand cleaning.

During the event, Councillors Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and Chief Whip of the GRDM Council, Monique Simmers, accompanied by Councillor from George Municipality, MMC Melvin Roelfse, donated new mattresses to the crèche’s principal. These gifts are intended to improve comfort for both children and staff. Cllr Hoogbaard used the occasion to further highlight the broader significance of Global Handwashing Day, stating that the day serves as a reminder of the role that proper hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of diseases.

Hoogbaard also praised the educators, saying that the role of teachers cannot be overstated in shaping the future of the community. The crèche’s principal, Jacoline Muller, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting how these contributions would enhance the learning environment for the children in Borchards.

Visit to Paddavoetjies Crèche

The GRDM delegation continued their outreach at Paddavoetjies Crèche, also located in Borchards, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and learners in bright yellow crèche branded t-shirts. Compion reiterated the day’s message, focusing on the importance of hygiene education, particularly handwashing, in safeguarding public health.

Once again, the EHPs with a practical demonstration, engaging the young learners with a hands-on lesson on how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.

In addition to the hygiene demonstrations, Councillors Hoogbaard, Simmers and Roelfse also handed over new mattresses to the crèche. Cllr Hoogbaard encouraged the educators to maintain overall cleanliness, noting that while handwashing is essential, keeping the entire environment hygienic is just as important.

The principal of Paddavoetjies Crèche also expressed her sincere thanks, stating that the new mattresses would significantly improve the daily experience for both the children and the staff.

The GRDM’s outreach and donation efforts, aligned with Global Handwashing Day, highlight the importance of supporting Early Childhood Development through both hygiene education and practical resources that enhance learning environments.

What are the IMPORTANT steps linked to washing hands properly?

ENDS

05 September 2024 Media Release: Food Control: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)

Media Release: Food Control: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)

5 September 2024

Food control is a vital responsibility carried out by national and local authorities, such as the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), to ensure that food is safe, wholesome, and suitable for human consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines food control as a “mandatory regulatory activity of enforcement” designed to protect consumers by overseeing every stage of food production, handling, storage, processing, and distribution.

To achieve these objectives, legislation plays a key role in regulating the food industry. Significant laws include the Foodstuffs, Cosmetic and Disinfectant Act (54 of 1972), the Labelling and Advertisement of Foodstuffs Regulations (GNR 146 of 2010), and the Tobacco Products Control Act (83 of 1993). These regulations are in place to ensure that public health and safety are upheld.

In the GRDM, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) are responsible for various duties that ensure food safety. Their tasks include:

  1. Inspections: EHPs conduct regular, often unannounced inspections of food premises, including formal establishments, informal vendors, factories, and dairy farms. These inspections assess structural compliance of buildings, the condition of vehicles transporting food, the availability of water and hand-washing facilities, proper refuse disposal, pest control, and whether food handlers wear protective clothing.
  2. Food Sampling: EHPs perform food sampling to ensure that storage and hygiene practices meet required standards, helping to detect potential contamination and confirm that food products are safe for consumption.
  3. Investigation of Food-borne Illnesses: In cases of reported food-borne illnesses, EHPs investigate to identify the source of contamination and take necessary actions to prevent further spread.
  4. Health Education: EHPs educate food handlers, industries, and consumers about food safety, promoting practices based on the WHO’s “Five Keys to Safer Food” to prevent contamination by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances.

The role of EHPs is essential in preventing foodborne diseases and ensuring the safety of food consumed by the public. Their work helps minimize risks associated with unsafe food handling, such as food poisoning, and ensures that food products meet the stringent safety standards required by law.

For more information, or for reporting, contact the following GRDM Municipal Health offices within the Garden Route:

Region Person in Charge Contact Number Address
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Desmond Paulse
Manager: Municipal Health		 083 678 6530 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mossel Bay Monique Anthony
Acting Chief:  Municipal Health		 061 445 1932 C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
George Outeniqua Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health		 078 457 282 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
George
Wilderness		 Khanyisa Joja
Acting Chief: Municipal Health		 071 883 6335 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
Knysna Region James McCarthy
Chief: Municipal Health		 082 805 9417 26A Queen Street, Knysna
Bitou Region Gawie Vos
Chief: Municipal Health		 083 557 1522 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg bay
Hessequa Region Haemish Herwels
Chief: Municipal Health		 083 678 6545 24 Michell Street, Riversdale

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Solid Waste and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

EHPs play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of food safety, protecting public health, and fostering consumer confidence in the GRDM.

-END-

02 August 2024 Media Release: GRDM EHPs provide training to Informal Food Traders in Dysselsdorp and Spaza shops in Uniondale and Haarlem

GRDM EHPs provide training to Informal Food Traders in Dysselsdorp and Spaza shops in Uniondale and Haarlem

For immediate release
02 August 2024

The Informal Food Services Sector is a significant contributor to economic development, especially in micro-businesses. It creates jobs, helps alleviate poverty, and has the potential to expand the economic base of a region.

Food control includes the monitoring of food premises and safe handling of food at formal and informal food premises. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) perform health and hygiene education to the public.

In terms of Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), anyone that handle food for selling it to the public, must be in possession of a CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTABILITY (COA).  EHPs from GRDM ensure compliance of food premises by issuing COAs.

On 24 July 2024, GRDM’s EHPs based in Oudtshoorn, in collaboration with Oudtshoorn Municipality, presented a Health and Hygiene training session for informal food traders of Dysselsdorp at the Dysselsdorp Thusong Service Centre. Twenty-one (21) informal food traders attended the session.

The EHPs assisted and educated prospective informal food traders on how to apply for a CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTABILITY. The team further presented a health and hygiene education session and provided training on basic food hygiene principles. The health and hygiene education session focused on the safe and hygienic transportation, storage, handling and preparation of food and the selling of safe food stuffs, for example using meat obtained from an approved abattoir.

The training highlighted the significance of hygienic food handling practices and selling safe food to prevent food poisoning and other food-related diseases. Ensuring that the food consumed is healthy and safe, is crucial to public health. The structural requirements for food premises were also explained.

The content of the health and hygiene training session was based on the World Health Organisation’s Five Keys to Safer Food training package, which includes the following five important aspects:

  1. Keep clean.
  2. Separate raw and cooked foods.
  3. Cook thoroughly.
  4. Keep food at safe temperatures.
  5. Use safe water and raw materials.

The GRDM EHPs also conducted a Health and Hygiene Education session at the Spaza shops in the Uniondale and Haarlem areas on 25 July 2024. The following topics were further discussed:

  • Compliance with a Certificate of Acceptability
  • Structural requirements
  • Hygiene requirements
  • Protection of food
  • Temperature Control

Participants at both sessions actively engaged in discussions and now have a clearer understanding about complying with food safety legislation. The importance of their roles and responsibilities as informal food traders on how food is handled when it is sold it to the public, were also emphasised.

For more information or to report unhygienic practices by food handlers, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530

Mossel Bay
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Tell: 044 693 0006 / Cell: 083 530 3709

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 078 457 2824

George & Wilderness
Khanyisa Shoto – Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Tel: 044 803 1599 / Cell:071 883 6335

Knysna
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417

Bitou
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522

Hessequa
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545

Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 516

_______________________

Op 24 Julie 2024, het Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (OGP) van GRDM aan voornemende informele voedselhandelaars van Dysselsdorp ‘n opvoedkundige sessie aangebied oor hoe om aansoek te doen vir ‘n SERTIFIKAAT VAN AANVAARBAARHEID. Verder het die span ook ‘n opleidingsessie aan die betrokke deelnemers rakende Basiese Voedselhigiënebeginsels aangebied. Die laasgenoemde sessie het veral klem gelê op die veilige en higiëniese vervoer, berging, hantering en voorbereiding, asook die verkoop van veilige voedsel.

Die opleiding was gebaseer op die Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie se Vyf Sleutels tot Veiliger Voedsel, naamlik:

  1. Hou jou hande, kookgerei en ookoppervlakte skoon.
  2. Skei rou en gaar kosse.
  3. Kook deeglik.
  4. Hou kos by veilige temperature.
  5. Gebruik veilige water en rou materiaal.

Verder het OGPs verantwoordelik vir die George en omliggende areas, op 25 Julie 2024 ook Spaza-winkels in die Uniondale- en Haarlem-areas besoek om aan handelaars die 9 Sleutelprestasie-areas van Munisipale Gesondheidsdienste wat die onderwerp van voedselveiligheid insluit, oor te dra. Die volgende onderwerpe is tydens die sessie aangebied:

  1. Voldoening aan ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid
  2. Struktuurvereistes
  3. Higiënevereistes
  4. Beskerming van voedsel
  5. Temperatuurbeheer

ENDS

24 07 2024 Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”

Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”

For immediate release
24 July 2024

Recently, an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality, Carike Jantjies (GRDM), conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Education session to the food handlers of “Heroldsbaai Kafee”. This initiative is part of the nine Key Performance Areas relevant to the profession of EHPs.

The session focused on two critical aspects of food safety, namely:

  1. Food Control
  2. Health Surveillance of Premises

Ensuring Food Control

Food control is pivotal in maintaining food safety and optimal hygiene across the entire food supply chain, from the source to consumption.

During the session, the food handlers were educated on the five keys to safer food. These keys include:

  1. Keep all surfaces clean. Regular cleaning prevents contamination and maintains hygiene.
  2. Separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination. This is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
  3. Cook food thoroughly because proper cooking kills almost all dangerous microorganisms. This step ensures that food is safe to eat.
  4. Keep food at safe temperatures.  Harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly if food is stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Maintaining proper temperatures is essential.
  5. Use clean and safe water and fresh foodstuffs. Ensuring the quality of ingredients and water used in food preparation is vital for food safety.

Health Surveillance of Premises

The health surveillance of premises involves ensuring that any condition on the premises does not pose a health hazard. This includes regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential health risks.

The Food Safety Education session was conducted by Environmental Health Practitioner, Carike Jantjies (left), at the “Heroldsbaai Kafee”.

The education session aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the food handlers at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. By focusing on these key performance areas, the Environmental Health Practitioners at GRDM strive to safeguard public health and promote safe food practices.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact:
Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

ENDS

26 June 2024 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners ensuring food safety at the Oyster Festival

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners ensuring food safety at the Oyster Festival

For immediate release
26 June 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) based at the Knysna office has prepared for the 41st annual Knysna Oyster Festival well in advance.

They have been planning and are implementing a mitigation and monitoring work schedule before, during and for after the festival.  According to James McCarthy, Chief EHP for the Knysna region: “The purpose of the schedule is to minimise and address any public health issue that might arise at the festival”.

During the first weekend (21- 23 June 2024), thousands of marathon runners were welcomed to Knysna, participating in the annual Knysna Forest Marathon.  The second weekend (28 – 30 June 2024) hosts the Knysna Cycling event which is expected to attract numerous enthusiastic cyclists from across the country.

Pre-festival inspections, as well as inspections during the event are undertaken of all formal and informal food premises, including:

  • Eleven (11) official Oyster potential hotspot food venues have been identified where culinary events will take place for the duration of the festival.
  • Daily inspections at these venues, as well as additional food premises are being undertaken.
  • The local High school sportsground that serves as central Festival “hub “.
  • The return of the ever-popular informal stalls (“Oyster Alley”) at the Festival Ground is a favourite crowd attraction with more than 20 food and craft stores selling their goods to tourists and locals.
  • Inspections are also undertaken at various locations in town, where thousands of oysters are kept under required conditions.

Regular inspections and health surveillance of premises of all related public amenities are undertaken during the festival, including:

  • Public toilet facilities;
  • Accommodation establishments;
  • Festival grounds;
  • Food markets;
  • Tobacco control at premises.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAK

 A strict communication protocol regarding the reporting of any potential communicable disease outbreak between the GRDM and the relevant medical health care providers in the area. This includes both the private and provincial hospitals, general practitioners and pharmacies.

For any additional information regarding the festival, please contact:

Knysna Region
James McCarthy
26A Queen Street, Knysna
E-mail: james@gardenroute.gov.za. Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417  /or

Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za / Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

Feature Image: Supplied

ENDS

20 June 2024 Media Release:  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners and Stakeholders Perform Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz Operation in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners and Stakeholders Perform Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz Operation in Oudtshoorn

20 June 2024

A coordinated Spaza Shop Blitz operation was carried out in the Bridgton area of Oudtshoorn on Thursday, 13 June 2024. This multi-stakeholder blitz operation involved the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Law Enforcement, and Fire Services.

The operation aimed to inspect spaza shops for compliance with legislative requirements. The areas of inspection include:

  • Verification of a valid Certificate of Acceptability in accordance with Regulation 638, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectant Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) and ensuring that it is displayed in a conspicuous place for the public to see.
  • Ensuring valid business licences in accordance with the Business Act No. 71 of 24 April 1991. (Local Law Enforcement)
  • Assessment of the general hygiene of the premises.
  • Checking the labelling of foodstuffs.

A total of five shops were inspected during the operation. Following the inspections, GRDM EHPs issued reports to each establishment, highlighting areas needing improvement to meet compliance standards. The joint operation was done to ensure compliance with all health requirements.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to ensuring public health and safety through adherence to health regulations. The public is encouraged to report any complaints related to these health requirements to the GRDM Municipal Health Services Office at 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn, or contact the Oudtshoorn office at 044-272-2241.

Activities during the Spaza Shop Blitz Operations

-END-

19 June 2024 Media Release: Oudtshoorn Environmental Health Practitioners Celebrated World Food Safety Day on June 7

Media Release: Oudtshoorn Environmental Health Practitioners Celebrated World Food Safety Day on June 7

19 June 2024

This year, the focus of World Food Safety Day, observed on June 7, 2024, was “Food safety: Prepare for the unexpected.” This theme underscored the importance of readiness for food safety incidents and the shared responsibility from producers to consumers.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) monitor food-processing establishments by law. They inspect production, distribution, and consumption areas to promote safe food handling practices. EHPs conduct regular inspections in line with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, governing food premises and transport standards.

EHP Johan Smith educated the food handlers and management of the Spekboom Restaurant at the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn about the ‘5 Keys for safer food’ .

The World Health Organization defines ‘Food Safety’ as the assurance that food will not harm consumers when prepared and eaten. ‘Food Hygiene’ encompasses measures to ensure food safety from production to consumption.

Unsafe food can lead to serious health problems. It is well-documented that over 600 million people fall ill and 420 000 die annually from contaminated food world-wide. This is why prioritising food safety is of such great importance.

Food safety incidents can vary from minor to major crises. These incidents may arise from frequent and prolonged load shedding, food poisoning, product recalls, or outbreaks. In South Africa, Health Authorities enforce food safety control to protect consumers, ensuring food safety during production, handling, storage, processing, and distribution.

EHPs ensure compliance with Regulations 328 of 2007. This includes the inspection of all food premises. Some examples include hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. The role of an EHP during such compliance visits, include to check if a company has a valid Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) issuing of CoAs, examining food labels, investigating complaints, monitoring compliance, inspecting premises and vehicles, sampling foodstuffs, enforcing laws, and promoting food hygiene education.

For more information about food safety, please contact the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Office in the Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region, under the management of Desmond Paulse. Contact 044 272 2241 or 083 678 6530.

For regional-related issues, contact Johan Compion, the Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services on 082 803 5161.

Feature Image: EHP Elizna Cairncross rolled out food hygiene education to food handlers and the management of De Biltong Man Butchery in Oudtshoorn

EHP Johan Smith educated the food handlers and management of the Spekboom Restaurant at the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn about the ‘5 Keys for safer food’

 

ENDS

3 May 2024 Media Release: Ensuring Access to Safe Water: The Vital Role of Environmental Health Practitioners

Media Release: Ensuring Access to Safe Water: The Vital Role of Environmental Health Practitioners

3 May 2024

The Constitution of South Africa states that: “Everyone has the right to have access to sufficient water “(Section 27 (1) (b).

Water that is unsafe for consumption poses a serious health risk. Those at greatest risk of water borne diseases are infants, the elderly, immune compromised individuals, and those living in settlements without basic water supply and sanitation services.

This is why water quality monitoring is important and encompasses a range of actions by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), aimed at ensuring the safety and purity of water sources accessible to communities. These actions include the following:

  • Collecting water samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Conducting field test on public water supply sources.
  • Conducting inspections as part of Municipal Health surveillance programmes.

The role of the EHP: Water Quality Monitoring of Water tanker trucks: 

  • Water trucking refers to the bulk transport of water from the source to a storage facility near a distribution point. During the acute and stabilisation phases of an emergency, these trucks may be used to provide short-term transport of water to communal water points.
  • The water transported in tanker trucks to various identified sites within a community should be considered as originating from a non-water service authority source, as it is no longer within the closed reticulation pipe system.

Water is distributed through various methods, including:

  • Transportation by water trucks.
  • The filling of private and communal water tanks.
  • The filling of reservoirs affected by compromised reticulation system.

The role of the EHP:

  • Sampling the water source (tanker truck/tank) and the water provider’s source to verify compliance with SANS 241:2015 Specifications for drinking water.
  • Ensuring the driver maintains a logbook to keep record of when the water was sourced and where the water was sourced from.
  • Each logbook should also record the truck cleaning schedule.
  • Documenting pertinent details of the tanker trucks, including registration and vehicle description.
  • Providing health and hygiene education to the community, including the cleaning of tanks and ensuring clean containers are used for the collection of the water.
  • Ensuring tanker trucks are easily cleanable, equipped with lockable covers, and have screened air vents to prevent contamination from animals and insects.
  • The EHP must conduct daily visits to healthcare centres including the local clinics to monitor whether any water-related disease outbreaks have occurred and conduct related investigations to ensure the possible source of pollution.

Through these duties, EHPs play a critical role in safeguarding public health and ensuring the provision of safe and clean water to communities.

For inquiries and further information, please contact the respective individuals in charge:

Region Person in Charge Contact Number Address
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Desmond Paulse, Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo) Tel: 044 272 2241, Cell: 083 678 6530 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mossel Bay Monique Anthony, Acting Chief Tel: 044 693 0006, Cell: 061 445 1932 C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Featured image caption: Garden Route District Municipality EHP, Linden Herwels, ensuring water trucks comply with prescribed procedures.

END

19 April 2024 Media Release: Stakeholders Unite for Spaza Shop Blitz Initiative in Mossel Bay

Media Release: Stakeholders Unite for Spaza Shop Blitz Initiative in Mossel Bay

For Immediate Release
19 April 2024

On Thursday, 11 April 2024, a joint Spaza Shop Blitz Operation was conducted in Asla Park, Mossel Bay.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), along with Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement, Department of Home Affairs, Border Patrol, and South African Police Service (SAPS), participated in the operations to visit spaza shops in the area.

The following items were inspected during these visits to determine whether shops met the legislative requirements:

  • A valid Certificate of Acceptability in Terms of Regulation 638 promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972).
  • Business License for food premises.
  • The general hygiene of the premises.
  • Labelling of Foodstuffs.

Also, the team inspected the shops for expired products and removed those that did not comply. Six (6) shops were visited and inspected.   After completing the inspections, GRDM sent a letter to those premises that did not comply with the requirements.  Spaza shop owners were given clear instructions regarding their shortfalls in the letter.  Complying with all requirements contribute to the health and safety of the communities that shops sell products to.

This combined operation will now be a weekly exercise.

Above are some pictures that show some of the physical inspections that took place during the operation.

Featured Image Caption: Various stakeholders involved in the Spaza Shop Blitz.

For more information please contact the following GRDM sub-office:

Mossel Bay

Acting Chief Municipal Health

Tel: 044 693 0006, cell: 061 445 1932

C/O Sampson & Marlin Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

ENDS

26 March 2024 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
26 March 2024

This year the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) takes place in Oudtshoorn for the 28th time. The festival started on 23 March and will conclude on 31 March 2024.

Since the Municipal Health Services function is defined in the National Health Act, 2003 and includes the following Key Performance Areas such as Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises etc., the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commenced with inspections at the festival’s food stalls for compliance in terms of Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.

During inspections the EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers. By doing so, their efforts ensure that all food during storage, handling and preparation at food stalls are safe, wholesome, as well as fit for human consumption and conform to the applicable quality and safety requirements.

Currently, the team also carry out inspections and monitor public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, refuse disposal and removal, as well as ensuring that regulations relating to the smoking in public places and certain outdoor public places, are adhered to.

What are these Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?

  1. Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of R638 OF 22 June 2018.
  2. The COA must at all times be available at the food stall and also 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 labeled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of waste water until disposal thereof.
  14. The stall / premises where food is handled must at all times be kept clean and in a hygiene condition.

For more information or to report complaints relating to the festival or in general, contact the following GRDM offices:

Desmond Paulse, Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530

Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
044-803 1525 / Cell: 082 803 5161

Caption: Environmental Health Practitioner from the GRDM Klein Karoo Municipal Health Office, Johan Smith, during an inspection performed at the KKNK. 

ENDS