Consumers need to pay attention to food safety due to loadshedding

31 Jan 2023 | Press Release

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SABS encourages consumers to pay attention to food safety

With loadshedding, water restrictions and warmer weather, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is encouraging consumers to be more vigilant when making food purchases by examining packaging and labels, and by ensuring that basic food hygiene practices are observed when purchasing and preparing food.

Acting CEO of SABS Sadhvir Bissoon says food and food products spoil faster in warmer and humid conditions, and it is important that everyone be more vigilant regarding food safety.

He says retailers need to ensure that the cold chain from suppliers to stores is in place and maintained until it is sold.

Consumers can continue the cold chain by transporting food in cooler boxes or having it delivered directly to their homes.

Bissoon says with rising temperatures and loadshedding, consumers need to be aware of the impact of these elements on the storage of food and the potential of exposure to contamination.

Helpful tips

If the stores do not have generators or alternative sources of power to ensure that the refrigeration units are functional, rather purchase food that was delivered on the day or ask the store manager for confirmation of ‘fresh’ produce
Consumers are encouraged to examine the packaging and ensure that expiry dates are visible.
Do not purchase products that do not contain information about ingredients, nutritional information, storage advice, expiry dates, production dates or manufacturing information. If products should be refrigerated, ensure that the cooling/freezing of the products was not compromised before you purchase them.
Transport food in cooler boxes that are cold to preserve food for longer periods of time.
Look for verification, inspection or certification marks on products that are subjected to testing and certification.
Perishable food should be purchased in smaller quantities and used up as soon as possible.
Practice good food hygiene by washing hands regularly, sanitising your surfaces and making sure your food is properly cooked.
When storing and preparing food at home, keep food separately to avoid cross-contamination, especially with fresh and perishable items such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and fresh produce.
Consumers need to engage their senses when handling food at home, for example, if something looks and smells bad – rather throw it out or return it to the store for a refund if it has not been used.