/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Public Servants Association (PSA) regards a recent food poisoning incident involving 28 learners of Mzamomtsha Primary School in Driftsands and Sikelela Primary School in Landsdown in the Western Cape, as an alarm call to intensify food safety measures in communities.
 
The safety and well-being of children must be the highest priority. Such cases highlight the urgent need for stricter regulatory measures to protect public health. The PSA is increasingly concerned that such incidents are becoming a widespread catastrophic phenomenon across South Africa and becoming a national crisis with devastating consequences.
 
The PSA urges government to increase the inspection of all food establishments, including those owned by foreign nationals. Regular and rigorous inspections are essential to ensure that all businesses adhere to South Africa’s food-safety standards, which exist to protect the public from health risks associated with improperly prepared or contaminated food.
 
Relevant government departments are further encouraged to collaborate closely with community leaders and local health authorities to identify high-risk establishments, provide food safety training where needed, and enforce stringent standards. This includes educating food business owners and staff about proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices to prevent similar incidents. Protecting the health of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as learners, requires a collaborative effort and an unwavering commitment to food safety.

Issued by the Public Servants Association