13 Jun 2025

 Food handlers have been urged to strictly adhere to food safety standards, as lapses in hygiene and regulatory compliance continue to pose serious threat to public health and the economy.

Speaking during the commemoration of World Food Safety Day in Gaborone yesterday, Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Modise emphasised the critical role food handlers’ played in ensuring food safety from production to consumption. Dr Modise urged all food handlers to embrace a culture of prevention, vigilance and continuous learning, aligning their practices with national and international food safety standards.

He noted that by so doing, they would be helping protect public health, build consumer trust and position Botswana as a provider of safe, high quality food both locally and for export. Sharing the sentiments, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Botswana (UB), Professor Maria Nnyepi said the recent wave of inspections across food establishments in Gaborone and surrounding areas had exposed alarming levels of poor hygiene, with several kitchens found infested with cockroaches and other pests.

Prof. Nnyepi highlighted that the findings had sparked serious concerns among public health officials and the general public, raising questions about the country’s commitment to achieving safe and hygienic food systems. Prof. Nnyepi pointed to numerous violations, including dirty food preparation areas, improper waste disposal and inadequate pest control measures, saying such were a direct threat to public health, stressing that ‘food safety is not optional, but a public health priority’. 

Riding on the theme; Food Safety: Science in Action, the Food and Agriculture Organization representative, Ms Carla Mucavi highlighted the urgent need for science-based innovations and collaboration efforts to address global food safety challenges, from zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance to climate-related disruptions. Ms Mucavi emphasised that ensuring safe food was not merely a regulatory obligation, but a fundamental human right, essential for public health, economic growth and community resilience.

She said the theme underscored the role of research, digital tools, and inter-sectoral partnerships in transforming food safety practices from farm to fork. Furthermore, she urged governments, food businesses, and consumers to work together to uphold hygiene standards, enhance employee training, and establish robust emergency protocols to reduce risk. Ms Mucavi reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Botswana in building robust, science-driven food systems, saying, ‘by turning knowledge into action, and collaboration into progress, we can ensure that no one is left behind’. 

In an interview, Ms Godiraone Modo, a UB student, who attended the commemoration, called on public health inspectors to ‘step up’ surveillance efforts, particularly in high-risk areas such as open markets and informal food establishments.

“They are not out to punish, but to protect, we want food businesses to succeed, but not at the expense of consumer health,” said Ms Modo.

Another student, Mr Kaelo Mogapi voiced frustration and called for stricter enforcement, transparent inspections, and heavier penalties for non-compliant food establishments.

“Consumers deserve better. It is shocking to think that what we eat might be prepared in such filthy conditions, authorities must take immediate action,” said Mr Mogapi. ENDS