Food advisory seminars highlight food safety for 2010

Food safety is an imperative issue especially as we prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. “The city is concerned about the safety of its citizens and visitors. Knowing that most people rely on formal food sectors, we need to be certain that all food retailers follow all the food protocol precautions, which must be properly monitored by the health officials,” says Siva Chetty, the deputy head of Pollution Control and Risk Management in Durban.

The importance on food safety places a great amount of pressure on the pest control industry to improve its services. Pest control companies need to take action in order to better prepare themselves concerning health regulations and food safety.

Pest control concerns

Pest control companies should thoroughly train their staff about the correct procedure for all anticipated pests, use appropriate elimination methods and have proper training in place for staff on food hygiene and basic HACCP. They should ensure that equipped and registered pest control operators conduct all pest control services. A copy of the current registration certificate should be kept on site. Most importantly, the supplier should belong to an industry controlling body such as SAPCA (South African Pest Control Association).

IPM not chemicals

“Consumers should not only rely on their pesticides and their pest control companies to eliminate their pest infestations but they should be focusing more on preventative measures and use integrated pest management techniques (IPM), which are in line with pest control in the 21st century. Besides food and safety regulations, we need to develop a strong culture where food safety is considered a priority by all persons who are involved in the preparation and serving of food,” says Deena Govender, quality assurance manager for Rentokil Pest Control.

IPM is a system that uses physical, biological, and only as a last resort, chemical means to maintain, control or eliminate unwanted insects and vermin. It involves both the food service manager and the licensed pest control operator working together. IPM decreases the chances of pest infestations by maintaining a clean, well-constructed facility. This is a more cost effective route than using expensive and potentially dangerous chemicals.

Safety precautions

When applying pesticides, always read the label on the pesticide that one intends using and ensure that it is registered for the particular application and spectrum of control required. Follow the safety precautions as indicated on the product; this includes the use of personal safety equipment, such as gloves, facemask and not eating, drinking or smoking whilst applying pesticide. Hands should always be washed with soap after application. Give special attention to withdrawal periods, the time that one needs to wait before eating treated fruit, vegetables or herbs.

SA ready

Govender feels that South Africa can confidently say that it is ready for 2010 in terms of food safety, as it has already successfully hosted several international events over the past few years with very few major negative incidents of food poisoning. However, there is always room for improvement in terms of complying with food safety regulations. “One cannot be complacent in preparing food at any place (home or industry) as pests are abundant in our country due to the favourable climate and conditions. Many role players are doing their best to improve the standards and awareness in our country. With proper planning and preparation, we can only get better. Everybody needs to make their own tiny contribution to make this event a safe, pleasant and enjoyable experience for all our guests.”