Food poisoning, contamination and the law: Holiday safety tips
Food poisoning cases saw a significant increase in South Africa this year. This highlighted the importance of consumers being aware of how to avoid contamination and poisoning when buying and enjoying their meals this festive season.
According to food lawyer Isabella Mazzone, food products often get contaminated after they are purchased by consumers. So take extra precaution when stocking up your fridge and pantry these holidays to ensure food safety.
HOW TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHICH LEADS TO FOOD POISONING?
STORAGE TIPS TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY
There are numerous factors to consider when storing food items, such as whether the foodstuff is fresh, canned or packaged in a certain way. SA food law expert Isabella Mazzone from Hahn & Hahn Attorneys, said: “Fresh produce and produce which does not require any cooking pose a higher risk especially if stored incorrectly at the incorrect temperatures or in places where it is easy for food contamination to take place.
“Products can become easily contaminated if stored at incorrect temperatures, if left out or if stored near other products where there can be cross contamination.”
According to the Department of Health, food safety can be guaranteed if cooked and raw food is separated while still doing shopping. Also, always store food, fresh or cooked, at safe temperatures.
HYGIENE TIPS WHEN PREPARING FOOD
When it comes to preparation, there are crucial hygiene tips to follow for food safety. Mazzone expressed that “basic kitchen hygiene at home must be prioritised to ensure that this does not happen.”
The health department provided an extensive list of tips to ensure hygiene and prevent food poisoning. These include:
- Washing hands with soap to keep them clean before, during and after food preparation.
- All surfaces and utensils must be kept clean. The surfaces can be cleaned with detergent or sanitizer, and utensils can be washed using hot water and detergent.
- The kitchen area must always be clean and free from pests, insects, and rubbish bins must be emptied regularly.
- Food needs to be cooked thoroughly, reaching at least 70°C.
- Always use safe, clean water when preparing food.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN SHOPPING TO AVOID FOOD POISONING?
There’s a lot to know regarding food law in SA. Most importantly, consumers must know the difference between “best before,” “use by,” and “expiry” dates on food. Queen Munyai, CEO of the Consumer Goods & Services Ombud (CGSO), stated: “Consumer safety is the reason expiry dates exist.”
The food law states that “best before” dates on foodstuffs only mean the quality of the product is reduced, but it can still be consumed and sold in stores. However, foods with a “use by” or ”expiry” date are possibly unsafe for consumption and no longer marketable.
WHAT FOOD SAFETY STEPS DO YOU TAKE WHEN PREPARING MEALS?
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