01 Dec 2021

It is estimated that over 700 000 people die due to antimicrobial resistance infection each year worldwide

Giving a key note address during the Food Safety Pitso on Tuesday, the Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said food safety was a collective responsibility of government, industry and consumers

He called for implementation of good agricultural practices, good hygiene and manufacturing practices as well as control measures from primary production to the final consumer, to protect consumers from illnesses or injuries caused by food.

Mr Lelatisitswe noted that this year’s theme: Safe food today, for a healthier tomorrow, focused mainly on primary producers in the meat and meat products industry, especially butcheries, abattoirs and slaughter slabs.

Noting that food borne illnesses were preventable, Mr Lelatisitswe said abattoirs, slaughter slabs and butcheries had an important role to play in sourcing quality animals from farmers, who implement animal health programmes. 

The assistant minister said the forum was meant to promote sustainable agriculture in meat production, processing and food systems by fostering collaboration among public health, animal health, trade and other sectors. 

He also noted that it would encourage adoption of good practices, which integrate the health of plants and animals, hence also reduce the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant organisms.

“I am informed that the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security is in the process of providing training support to the meat industry sector, to help them make judicious use of agricultural inputs and keep their use of veterinary drugs in line with international norms,” he said. 

He said that way, primary producers and indeed consumers, could be assured that the maximum residual limits of the drugs in meat carcasses were within acceptable levels. 

Mr Lelatisitswe emphasised the importance of hygiene training, adding that all industry personnel should be aware of their roles and responsibilities in protecting meat and related products from contamination.

He implored all personnel to implement good manufacturing practice guidelines and globally recognised standards, such as the Codex, which remain critical to the prospects for sustainable trade expansion. 

The assistant minister further  called for shared responsibility in food safety, not only for better health and food security, but also for livelihoods, economic development, trade and to protect the country’s reputation.

The acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Dr Letlhogile Modisa also underscored the importance of food safety for the wellbeing of consumers, especially in the advent of COVID-19, where  immunity needed to remain strong.

He said the call to action, which stipulated the five strategic pillars to food safety: ensure it is safe, grow it safe, keep it safe; know what is safe and integrated efforts by various stakeholders working together, would ensure safer food and good health for all.

Dr Modisa said the pitso  would equip participants with valuable knowledge on the important role they play in the food chain continuum.

He therefore pleaded with the minister to roll out the food safety initiative nationwide and urged participants to network amongst themselves and interact with regulators and the various stakeholders present. Ends