25/06/2025
Food and Hygiene Safety Training
Why Is Food Safety and Hygiene Training Important?
According to the World Health Organization, foodborne illnesses are a serious public health concern globally. In South Africa, outbreaks of foodborne illness, such as the 2017–2018 listeriosis outbreak, have underscored the need for strong food safety and hygiene standards. Proper food safety training helps employees understand how to handle and prepare food safely to prevent contamination and protect public health.
What Is Food Safety?
Food safety involves the essential practices and procedures required to ensure that food is safe to eat. These include proper handling, preparation, processing, storage, and distribution of food. By following food safety measures, businesses can reduce the risk of contamination and prevent foodborne illness or injuries.
Types of Food Contaminants:
Food can be contaminated in several ways:
1. Biological contaminants: such as bacteria, viruses, moulds, and parasites.
2. Physical contaminants: such as hair, metal shavings, and glass.
3. Chemical contaminants: including pesticides, cleaning agents, or food additives used incorrectly.
4. Allergenic contaminants: such as milk, eggs, nuts, soy, and other common allergens.
Do You Need Food Hygiene Training?
Under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No. 54 of 1972) and related municipal health regulations, all individuals who work with food in South Africa must be trained in food safety practices appropriate to their role. Municipal by-laws also require that food premises obtain a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), which is only issued if food handlers are properly trained and competent in hygiene and food safety standards.
Legal Requirements for Food Safety and Hygiene in South Africa
Several laws and regulations govern food safety in South Africa:
1. Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972
This Act regulates the manufacture, labelling, and sale of food to ensure it is safe for consumption. It prohibits selling food that is contaminated, unfit for consumption, or mislabeled.
2. Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters (R638 of 2018)
These regulations require that:
2.1. All food premises must have a valid Certificate of Acceptability.
2.2. Food handlers are trained in hygienic practices.
2.3. A food safety system based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is implemented and maintained.
3. Consumer Protection Act, 2008
This Act requires that food products are safe, correctly labelled, and not misleading. It gives consumers the right to fair and responsible services and to be protected from hazardous goods.
4. Municipal Health By-Laws
Local municipalities (e.g., City of Cape Town) may enforce additional requirements, such as routine inspections and hygiene certifications.
Benefits of Food Hygiene and Safety Training
1. Prevent Foodborne Illnesses
Most foodborne illnesses result from improper food handling. Training ensures that employees understand safe practices and how to minimize health risks to customers.
2. Reduce Food Waste
Trained staff are better at managing storage, temperature control, and stock rotation, which helps minimize spoilage and saves money.
3. Improve Staff Efficiency
Employees who know what to do can work more effectively, handle food safely, and avoid costly mistakes.
4. Create a Positive Workplace Culture
When staff feel competent and understand the value of their role in maintaining food safety, morale and responsibility improve.
5. Build a Strong Business Reputation
Consistent food safety practices lead to cleaner operations, better customer reviews, and trust in your brand. This can lead to more business and increased revenue.
Food safety and hygiene training is not only a legal requirement in South Africa—it’s a critical investment in public health, your staff, and your business. With proper training, food handlers can confidently serve safe, high-quality food, reduce risk, and protect both your customers and your reputation.
The 7th of June was world food safety day. If you would like to find out more about it, you can follow this link: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2025
If you or anyone you know are looking for Food and Hygiene Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] /
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