Review calls for the creation of a food safety agency in South Africa
South African researchers have recommended the creation of a single food safety authority to tackle food fraud and boost consumer health protection.
They said a centralized national food control authority if equipped with enough resources, would streamline enforcement efforts and enhance investigative capabilities.
In a review, the team looked at factors contributing to food fraud, including inadequate penalties, a lack of government commitment, complex labeling regulation, non-compliant street vendors, e-commerce and online food sales, and a shortage of inspectors and food testing laboratories.
The current system involves multiple government agencies with overlapping responsibilities, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Health (DoH), and Trade and