City of Cape Town’s Health Directorate has urged the public to refrain from sharing information on social media without verifying it from a reliable source. This comes after several food safety-related incidents have been reported and gone viral online.
The City has noted that while these reports are being investigated, many claims are shared widely before the facts have been established.
“City Health is aware of the recent increase in food safety-related complaints received and allegations made regarding foodstuffs purchased from informal economy businesses.”
The complaints received this week have reportedly ranged from alleged tablets found in chips and biscuits to paraffin in cool drinks.
According to the directorate, its Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) investigate complaints about food safety, work with businesses to prevent harm, and take legal action when necessary to protect consumers.
However, false, malicious, or deliberately fabricated complaints, including cases where food items are sabotaged to create the appearance of contamination, seriously undermine the work of practitioners. This may also lead to legal consequences or criminal charges for false statements.
“Communities must be mindful of what circulates on social media and question the legitimacy of information shared. Not all posts are accurate – please verify before sharing,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham
In one incident, there were reports circulating online of tablets found in chips bought at a local shop in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
The manufacturer of the chips, Truda Foods, responded to complaints and added that it has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The manufacturer added that it will work closely with the relevant authorities, health officials and other stakeholders.
It added that at this stage, no evidence has been presented to the manufacturer linking any alleged pill found in a packet of chips.
Higham has, however, added that in the event of a food-safety incident, residents should see a doctor for medical confirmation, report to City Health, open a police case, and swear under oath on what transpired.
The details of the business, its location, the product name and description, and the date and time of purchase or consumption should also be provided.
Additionally, the implicated foodstuff, photos or packaging, where available, date markings, batch numbers, and details of the problem (odour, appearance, foreign object, symptoms experienced), etc., should be stated.
“Our Environmental Health Practitioners will investigate all complaints received, but investigations may take time. Our team conducts thorough investigations, including patient interviews, business owner interviews, premises inspections, food sampling, detention and seizure of suspected foodstuffs, and legal action for non-compliance,” added Higham.
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