In the midst of deaths related food the Free State Business Council for Districts (FSBC) has called for action in ensuring formalisation and monitoring of food vendor stalls in the townships.
The Council comes with this proposal as it expresses deep sorrow over the death of children due to food poisoning.
The FSBC said it is saddened by the tragic deaths of children who consumed contaminated food from unregulated tuck shops in township areas.
The Council said this devastating loss underscores the urgent need for enhanced regulation and oversight in informal food markets, particularly those near schools where children are most vulnerable. “The safety and health of our children must always be top priority, and these tragic deaths demand swift and decisive action” said Phaladi Matsole of the Council.
“The township economy plays a vital role in South Africa’s economic landscape, with informal food vendors providing affordable food to communities. However, the lack of regulation in these markets poses significant health risks, particularly to children who may unknowingly consume unsafe food”.
The FSBC believes it is critical to support local township businesses while ensuring that food safety standards are strictly enforced. To balance the interests of public health and local economy, it proposes a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Health to formalize and monitor safe food vendor stalls in township areas, especially near schools.
According to the FSBC the initiative would:
1. Designated Vendor Stalls: Create regulated and monitored spaces where vendors, prioritizing South African citizens, can operate under strict health and safety guidelines. These stalls would be in safe areas within or near schools to ensure children can access food without compromising their health.
2. Routine Health Inspections: The Department of Health would conduct regular health checks to ensure compliance with hygiene, food handling, and storage standards, thus safeguarding children from contaminated or unsafe food.
3. Collaboration with Schools: Food vendors who serve children must meet safety standards, with oversight from both the Department of Health and Education. This collaboration will ensure that food sold within school grounds is safe for consumption.
4. Vetting Process for Vendors: To avoid any risks associated with unregulated food sources, a vetting process should be implemented to ensure that only reliable, certified vendors are allowed to operate in these designated areas.
The FSBC further said it recognizes the critical role informal vendors play in the township economy. This proposal is not intended to push vendors out of business but to create a pathway for them to thrive within a safe, regulated environment. By supporting South African vendors who are invested in their communities, we can strengthen the local economy while ensuring that food safety remains priority.
“The Free State Business Council for Districts calls on the Department of Education and the Department of Health to urgently implement this solution to protect children, safeguard their health, and support the continued success of township businesses” added Matsole.
