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24 07 2024 Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”

Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”

For immediate release
24 July 2024

Recently, an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality, Carike Jantjies (GRDM), conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Education session to the food handlers of “Heroldsbaai Kafee”. This initiative is part of the nine Key Performance Areas relevant to the profession of EHPs.

The session focused on two critical aspects of food safety, namely:

  1. Food Control
  2. Health Surveillance of Premises

Ensuring Food Control

Food control is pivotal in maintaining food safety and optimal hygiene across the entire food supply chain, from the source to consumption.

During the session, the food handlers were educated on the five keys to safer food. These keys include:

  1. Keep all surfaces clean. Regular cleaning prevents contamination and maintains hygiene.
  2. Separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination. This is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
  3. Cook food thoroughly because proper cooking kills almost all dangerous microorganisms. This step ensures that food is safe to eat.
  4. Keep food at safe temperatures.  Harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly if food is stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Maintaining proper temperatures is essential.
  5. Use clean and safe water and fresh foodstuffs. Ensuring the quality of ingredients and water used in food preparation is vital for food safety.

Health Surveillance of Premises

The health surveillance of premises involves ensuring that any condition on the premises does not pose a health hazard. This includes regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential health risks.

The Food Safety Education session was conducted by Environmental Health Practitioner, Carike Jantjies (left), at the “Heroldsbaai Kafee”.

The education session aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the food handlers at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. By focusing on these key performance areas, the Environmental Health Practitioners at GRDM strive to safeguard public health and promote safe food practices.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact:
Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

ENDS