SOUTH AFRICA – South African researchers have called for the establishment of a single, centralized food safety authority to combat food fraud and enhance consumer health protection.
In their study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, the researchers argue that a well-resourced national food control authority could streamline enforcement efforts and improve investigative capabilities in the country.
The current fragmented system
South Africa’s existing food safety system involves multiple government agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Health (DoH), and Trade and Industry.
However, these agencies have overlapping responsibilities, leading to a fragmented approach to food control. Many of the regulations governing food safety are outdated, with some being more than 40 years old.
The researchers reviewed 27 records, including 17 articles, eight legislative documents, and two government guidelines or strategic documents from 2000 to 2023.
They identified several factors contributing to food fraud, such as inadequate penalties, a lack of government commitment, complex labeling regulations, non-compliant street vendors, the rise of e-commerce and online food sales, and a shortage of inspectors and food testing laboratories.
Case for a centralized authority
The proposed food control authority would be responsible for inspecting, sampling, and certifying food producers, suppliers, and retailers. It would also provide certification for import and export control, helping to prevent and detect food fraud.
By developing and implementing standards for food traceability and authenticity, and conducting audits to ensure compliance, such an agency could play a crucial role in safeguarding food safety.
One of the key points raised by the researchers is the inconsistent response of authorities to food safety incidents.
They highlighted the stark contrast between the reaction to the large Listeria outbreak in South Africa between January 2017 and July 2018 and the response to more recent food fraud scandals.
The Listeria outbreak, which was traced to contaminated polony produced by Enterprise Foods, resulted in 1,060 confirmed cases and 216 deaths. In this case, the authorities took decisive action, leading to a recall of the affected products.
Consequences of food fraud
In contrast, food fraud incidents have not been met with the same level of urgency. Despite the deaths of children in Gauteng in 2002, Soweto and the West Rand in 2023, and Vredefort in 2023, all linked to the consumption of unsafe and adulterated food, there have been no recalls or food alerts issued.
The lack of action has raised concerns about the prioritization of food safety measures and the enforcement of existing regulations.
South Africa continues to grapple with food adulteration issues, including mislabeled fish, counterfeit olive oil, unauthorized additives in beverages, and high levels of pesticides in fruit. The uncertainty surrounding the punishment of food fraud offenders, despite the potentially deadly consequences, further complicates efforts to enforce food safety regulations.
The researchers also expressed concern that inadequate action by authorities could undermine the authority of environmental health practitioners, legitimize the actions of unauthorized civil groups, and create fear and uncertainty among consumers.
Additionally, the risk of food fraud in the informal sector and through online food stores remains a significant challenge.
The study concludes with a call for future research to evaluate the impact of food fraud in South Africa, including its prevalence, public health impact, and economic consequences.
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