KNYSNA NEWS  - Knysna municipality is calling on all businesses that handle food to act swiftly and responsibly in light of the recent classification of foodborne illnesses under Government Gazette No 51624, published on 19 November.

Knysna executive mayor Aubrey Tsengwa confirmed that the municipality is committed to safeguarding public health in partnership with key stakeholders.

"We have outlined stringent measures to ensure compliance and prevent further food-related tragedies," he said.

"Businesses must uphold the highest standards of hygiene and compliance to ensure that the food they sell does not pose a threat to health. We shall enforce these regulations to protect the public."

Must register

All food-handling businesses, including spaza shops and informal traders, must register with the municipality within 21 days of the publication of the gazette.

Registration ensures compliance with health and safety standards and non-compliance will result in immediate closure.

As per the Knysna municipality Informal Trading by-law and the House Shops Policy, applicants will have to show their citizen status and, in relevant cases, their passport, section 22 asylum-seeker permit, section 24 refugee permit and a valid visa allowing the applicant to be in and work or conduct business in the country.

Norms and standards

An affidavit stating that the applicant is not engaged in the trade of illegal goods, as defined by the by-law, and that the business will operate according to the applicable norms and standards, must accompany the application.

All documents will be submitted to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for vetting, and the municipality may conduct background checks on applicants to verify the legality of their business activities.

Prosecution

Businesses are also required to adopt strict food-storage practices, ensuring food is stored separately from chemicals, detergents and hazardous substances.

Food must be prepared and handled in sanitary conditions with appropriate washing facilities.

The sale of banned products, such as unregistered pesticides, is prohibited. Violators will face prosecution.

Task team

"A local task team has been established to strengthen enforcement," Tsengwa explained. "The team consists of representatives from the municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality, the Department of Home Affairs and the SAPS.

"This team will conduct regular, unannounced compliance blitzes across the area. Businesses found violating regulations will face immediate action, including closure and prosecution.

'Prevent further tragedies'

"The safety of our residents, especially our children, is a shared responsibility. By working together - government, businesses and residents - we can prevent further tragedies and ensure the well-being of our community."

Integrated inspection teams will begin inspecting establishments from 1 December 2024. Alongside law enforcement, the municipality will continue ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate businesses and residents on food safety standards and best practices.

Information

For information on how to apply for a business licence, visit the municipal website or contact Natalie Salmons at nsalmons@knysna.gov.za or at 044 302 6238.

For information on how to apply for an informal trading permit, visit the municipal website or contact Ntombekaya Sibali at nsibali@knysna.gov.za or at 044 302 6359.

For a Certificate of Acceptability contact James McCarthy at Garden Route District Municipality at james@gardenroute.gov.za or at 044 382 7214, or visit the office at 26A Queen Street, Knysna.

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