agriculture,
forestry & fi sheries
Department:
Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Consumer Awareness on Biosecurity Issues
LEGISLATION
• The Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990) provides for the control of certain agricultural products, control over the sale of certain imported agricultural products and matters connected therewith.
• The Liquor Products Act, 1989 (Act No. 60 of 1989) provides for control over the sale and production for sale of certain alcoholic products, the composition and properties of such products, the establishment of schemes, control over the import and export of certain alcoholic products and matters connected therewith.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2008, (No. 68 of 2008). The Act sets out the minimum requirements to ensure adequate consumer protection in South Africa. This Act constitutes an framework for consumer protection, and all other laws which provides for consumer protection (usually within a particular sector) will need to be read with this Act to ensure a common standard of protection
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Branch:
Agricultural Production, Health & Food Safety WHY CONSUMERS SHOULD CHECK
THE MARKINGS ON THE PACKAGING CONTAINERS?
• For traceability name and physical address of either the producer or owner of fresh produce packed in the container is important. This makes it possible to trace back agricultural foods that may pose hazards.
• The packing dates and type of classes and size group or cultivars must be indicated.
AS PER CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT ON AGRICULTURAL FOODS.
The following guidance on food labeling related matters such as-
• Prohibited statements
• Nutritional information
• Ingredient listing
• Nutritional supplements
• Labeling of foods for infants and children etc
CONTACT DETAILS
Directorate:
Food Import and Export Standards
Address: Private Bag X343, Pretoria, 0001 Tel: 0123197894/6247
www.nda.agric.za/www.daff.gov.za
AIM
• Inform the consumers on important issues of food safety and quality of agricultural food products, plant health and animal health and life.
OBJECTIVES
• To create awareness on food safety and quality norms and standards, regulations
• To create awareness on plant health measures to protect plant species and prevent entry and spread of exotic pests and diseases
• To educate consumers on key biosecurity aspects pertaining to agricultural food products of plants and animal origin to ensure understanding of risks related to animal health and life
TARGET GROUPS
• Consumers
• Rural communities
• Retailers
• Hawkers/street vendors
WHY FOOD SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO THE CONSUMERS?
• To ensure that hundreds of millions of people are aware of food-borne diseases caused by contaminated foods.
• To ensure proper handling of food
FOOD PRODUCTION TO CONSUMPTION APPROACH SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION:
PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND FOOD HANDLING
• Why labelling of foods to consumers is safe?
• Consumers can compare prices of food items in grocery stores for best value.
• Labelling is one of the most valuable tools for consumers.
• Comparison with someone with high blood pressure who needs to watch his salt intake.
• Food labels cover the following information serving size and serving per container.
• Labelling list the amount of fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins that the food item offers.
WHY CONSUMERS SHOULD CHECK THE EXPIRING DATES?
Expiration dates on food products can protect consumer health, but those dates are more about quality than safety and if not property understood they can also encourage consumers to discard food that is perfectly safe to eat.
