MEAT, FISH & POULTRY
Keeping safety on the menu: why food safety matters The world we live in today is unlike the one we lived in 10 years ago. While developments in technology and the rapid expansion of the food industry has made food more accessible and multi-faceted than ever; it is becoming increasingly harder to protect a fast-growing supply of food from the many risks faced by the industry. Ecowize food safety specialist Lerina Van Zyl unpacks why food safety is so important.
M
ore than 200 modern-day diseases
safety has become top of mind for many
a relationship between a client (such as a
are caused by harmful bacteria,
clients and suppliers!
retailer) and a food manufacturer.
viruses, parasites or chemical
“Thorough, professionally conducted food
As with most things in life, prevention is
substances in unsafe food. Adding to that,
safety audits – both internal and external –
better than cure. “Anyone in the food industry
food safety, nutrition and food security all
have never been more important,” explains
has to be on top of the food safety game
work together. When food is not safe, it can
Ecowize food safety specialist Lerina van Zyl.
nowadays,” she says. “Timeous, detailed
lead to disease and malnutrition. Infants,
South Africa’s food safety standards
internal audits can go a long way to getting all
young children, the elderly and the ill are
are high and many businesses expect
the correct precautions in place before going
especially at risk.
nothing but the best from their suppliers
through a certification audit.”
Now more than ever, consumers expect
when it comes to safe food products. The
Recent events like the Listeria outbreak
to be protected against a myriad of risks
consequences of failing a food safety audit
in South Africa have done much to highlight
associated with the food they purchase and
not only potentially places the consumer
the importance of food safety and food
consume. It’s little wonder then that food
at risk, but it’s also a fast way to damage
safety audits. Due to the onset of Covid-19,
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October 2021 | FOOD RE VIEW
