Cape Town issues a warning to its citizens
Following recent complaints about food safety in the Western Cape, the City of Cape Town’s City Health has warned citizens to be alert for fake complaints that could trigger mass panic and concern.
Cape Town’s City Health said it is aware of the recent increase in complaints related to food safety and allegations regarding food products purchased from informal-economy businesses.
In June, complaints have included reports of alleged tablets found in chips and biscuits, as well as paraffin in soft drinks.
City Health said that Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) are investigating these food safety complaints, working with businesses to prevent harm and taking legal action when necessary to protect consumers.
The group emphasised that EHPs rely on community members to report genuine food safety concerns, which help the City protect public health.
It said that responsible reporting allows EHPs to investigate real risks, prevent foodborne illnesses, and take action against unsafe food establishments.
However, City Health said that “false, malicious, or deliberately fabricated complaints”, such as cases where food products are sabotaged to appear contaminated, can seriously undermine the efforts of EHPs.
The group said that such actions can divert EHPs from critical investigations and outbreak responses, waste limited municipal resources on unfounded claims, cause reputational and financial harm to businesses, and may lead to legal consequences or criminal charges for making false statements.
“Communities must be mindful of what circulates on social media and question the legitimacy of information shared. Not all posts are accurate, please verify before sharing,” said City Health.
“If you have genuine food safety concerns, please report them promptly and provide accurate information and as many details as possible.”
Cape Town’s foodborne illness cases decrease
Despite the recent food safety concerns, Cape Town’s City Health department has reported a decrease in foodborne illness cases, recording 13 incidents so far in the 2026 financial year.
This figure represents the lowest compliance rate in three years. Between July 2025 and May 2026, nearly 5,000 food samples underwent rigorous testing, resulting in over 18,000 individual analyses.
The outcome revealed a compliance rate exceeding 88%, indicating a high level of adherence to safety standards.
However, not all food items met the safety requirements. Commonly flagged products, particularly for harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, included popular dishes such as rice, chicken salads, ready-to-eat processed meats, sushi, and sandwiches, among others.
Many of these failures were attributed to poor food-handling practices, inadequate cooking, and insufficient handwashing, which increased the risk of foodborne illness.
This year, the City Health Department noted variations in overall incident reports.
A spike was observed in 2024/25 with 72 cases, largely driven by two suspected outbreaks: one affecting 15 children in November and another involving 19 individuals who consumed contaminated peaches in February.
“Environmental Health Practitioners are on the frontline of food safety. Their monitoring and education are crucial in preventing unsafe food handling practices and safeguarding public health,” said Community Services and Health Mayoral Committee Member Councillor Francine Higham.
Food safety is highly regulated, but everyone has a role in promoting safe food practices, whether in business or at home.
The City of Cape Town said it is important for individuals to take proactive measures to maintain safe food practices.
The City offers a variety of resources on its official website, including a comprehensive list of food safety tips and proper food storage methods. These resources can help extend the shelf life of produce and minimise food waste.
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