The City of Cape Town and Crime Intelligence have exposed a significant health and safety risk in the Mfuleni area with the discovery of an unlicensed food manufacturing operation, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This comes amid a spate of food poisoning incidents across the country.
Following a tip-off, local authorities, including members of SAPS Crime Intelligence, City Health staff and investigators from the City’s Strategic Information Management Service, raided the premises yesterday, revealing a shocking lack of sanitation and potential illegal activity.
The facility was found to be producing and packaging sausage products in conditions that officials described as ‘unhygienic’, posing a severe health risk to consumers. Photos from the scene reveal sausages being handled in unsanitary surroundings, sparking immediate concern over public safety and foodborne health risks.
Adding to the severity of the findings, authorities reported that the owner and four employees are suspected of being in the country illegally. All individuals present during the inspection were detained and are under further investigation, raising concerns about labour practices within unlicensed food production facilities.
As of now, the site has been designated a crime scene. Forensics experts are meticulously documenting the location, collecting evidence and seizing food samples to test for contamination or harmful substances. The results of these tests will inform whether further charges are filed.
‘This operation highlights the importance of food safety and the need for strict regulations to prevent unlicensed and unsanitary food manufacturing operations,’ said Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. ‘The City of Cape Town and SAPS has shown commitment to addressing crime and ensuring public safety in the Western Cape province.’
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Feature image: Pexels
Article originally written and published by Murray Swart for Cape {town} Etc.
