Food security - a consumer perspective

Such indifference encourages poor food security standards, leading local organisations in particular, to turn a blind eye to inefficient and inadequate systems. Consequently, as Rolf Uys of AIB, an international food security auditing company, pointed out, "insect infestation, dead vermin, foreign objects in goods and other consumer horrors are almost daily occurrences in the local food industry."

In Europe and the United States, a food scare of any kind, no matter how apparently limited and insignificant, immediately hits the headlines and leads to a massive withdrawal of products from supermarket shelves. Investigation into the source of the problem is instantly implemented with subsequent upgrading of risk management systems to improve food security. Companies undertake intensive public relations and marketing campaigns to restore their reputation. This doesn't occur in South Africa.

False sense of security

Extensive and persuasive marketing and advertising by multinational and local firms have led consumers into a false sense of security, convinced that they can take food safety and the management of food production for granted. While it is true that global organisations, which have huge brand names to promote and protect, have impressive risk management programmes in place, from source to end product, the same is not always true for local firms. Nor do the big multinationals have control over their product once it has been distributed to retailers.

The general public assumes that products are carefully selected at source, that ingredients are monitored and quality-controlled, that proper quality assurance systems are in place during processing or production and that defective items will be rejected. If this were true, there would be no customer complaints counter in food stores.

So consumers have an important role to play in promoting food safety and risk management in South Africa. Terry Bennett of I&J stresses the importance of consumer education in all aspects of food purchasing. "Ultimately it is the consumer who must assume responsibility for the goods he purchases," he pointed out. "Check the packaging on frozen goods for signs of thawing, note the 'sell-by' date, make sure the freezers containing frozen goods don't have leaks or indications of melting ice."

Common sense

Then there are the common-sense practices which consumers need to implement to ensure that when they do buy products, they retain their quality. Leave frozen purchases till last when shopping; don't leave frozen goods in a parked car, preferably pack them in insulated bags for the journey home; store frozen and raw goods separately; don't keep frozen goods for longer than indicated; follow the cooking instructions on the packaging.

Keep an eye open for the hygiene conditions where you shop. "People in South Africa tend to be less disciplined in matters of cleanliness and hygiene," comments Uys. "We lack trained food inspectors, and stores are not required to appoint appropriate staff to manage food security. Among the most important aspects in the food industry are cleaning and hygiene, yet most stores leave that to uneducated, badly paid people who are poorly supervised," he points out.

Make sure that you, as a consumer, are aware of the risks. Keep an eye out for the extensive consumer education campaigns that big brands regularly undertake and stay informed. You can make a positive impact on improving food security in this risk-susceptible industry.