Government ready for increased spaza shop regulation

By Johnathan Paoli

While the rate of deaths connected to contaminated food has decreased, the government has no plans on putting the brakes on its various initiatives to regulate small food handling businesses and ensure general food safety.

According Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, who announced that the government was extending the registration deadline for spaza shops to 28 February on Wednesday, authorities had learnt a lot during the last couple of months.

He was joined by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and other officials, who updated the media on measures taken to combat contaminated food, which has claimed the lives of more than 20 children and left hundreds hospitalised throughout the country.

“During this period, we have learnt valuable lessons in a short space of time, especially regarding the need for strengthened enforcement of regulation of spaza shops and other small food handling outlets.

“The government in