The sale of expired or spoiled food poses serious but avoidable public health risks. Weskus Distrik’s Surene Grootboom, Senior Manager: Environmental Health, describes the health risks, how her team enforces compliance, and steps taken to educate the community.
Health risks typically include:
Foodborne Illnesses: Salmonella, Listeria, or E.coli can lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea, or worse. Tragically, these illnesses can lead to fatalities, especially among vulnerable residents such as children.
Nutritional Loss: Over time, food loses its nutritional value, especially vital vitamins and proteins. Even if the food looks okay, it can be less beneficial.
Allergic Reactions: Chemical changes or contaminated food from spoiled ingredients can trigger unexpected allergic reactions.
While one tends to associate expired food with informal shops, larger retailers can be found selling expired food which would typically be classed as “Best Before” rather than “Use By”. Nonetheless, “Best Before” items should attract a heavy discount or ideally, be removed.
“Our Environmental team conducts routine or unannounced inspections of all food premises, irrespective of size. When we uncover expired “Use By” foods or other violations, a specific process is followed.”
“A Compliance Notice is issued which requires the retailer to rectify the issue within a certain timeframe. For severe or persistent non-compliance, their Certificate of Acceptability can be revoked which makes it illegal for the retailer to operate as a food premise.”
“Expired foodstuffs are removed and destroyed, protecting the public. For serious or repeated offences, legal action can be pursued under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. This can lead to significant fines or even imprisonment”.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial and include:
- Understanding and checking date markings.
- Being alert to triggers such as bulging cans, damaged packaging, unusual odours, and changes in texture.
- Looking for red flags such as date tampering, or a missing date.
- Encouraging residents to report suspected cases of food violations.
“Selling spoiled food is cynical, especially at a time when many South Africans are struggling to put food on the table and even borrowing money to feed their families. Our team is very aware of our role in protecting our communities, and their well-being drives our performance”.
Surene Grootboom
Senior Manager: Environmental Health.
Weskus Distrik.
