The Public Servants Association (PSA) has expressed concern over recent food poisoning incidents that affected 28 learners from Mzamomtsha Primary School in Driftsands and Sikelela Primary School in Landsdowne, in the Western Cape.

The PSA said this incident was an urgent call to action to enhance food safety measures in communities.

The PSA emphasised that the health and well-being of children should be the highest priority, highlighting that such incidents underscored the need for more stringent regulatory measures to protect public health.

Food poisoning cases are becoming increasingly widespread across South Africa, and the PSA warned that this trend could evolve into a national crisis with potentially devastating consequences.

"The PSA is deeply concerned that these incidents are becoming a catastrophic phenomenon across South Africa. It is imperative that stricter food safety regulations be implemented immediately to prevent further harm to public health," it said in a statement.

CALL FOR INCREASED INSPECTIONS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

The PSA is calling on the South African government to intensify inspections of all food establishments, including those owned by foreign nationals. The association stressed that regular and thorough inspections were necessary to ensure that all businesses adhered to South Africa’s food safety standards, which were crucial for protecting the public from health risks associated with improperly prepared or contaminated food.

"Regular and rigorous inspections are essential. This is necessary to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect the public from health hazards,” the PSA said.

STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION AND EDUCATION

The PSA also called for closer collaboration between relevant government departments, local health authorities, and community leaders to identify high-risk food establishments. The association encouraged these stakeholders to work together to provide food safety training where necessary and to enforce strict food safety standards.

The PSA further highlighted the importance of educating food business owners and staff on proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Protecting the health of citizens, especially vulnerable groups like learners, requires a collective effort and a strong commitment to food safety," the PSA concluded.