Food outlet shutdown

The eThekwini municipality’s Health Unit has closed down a fast food outlet in Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, due to multiple violations of health and safety regulations

Rose van Heerden, head of the City’s Health Unit, said eThekwini Municipality was forced to shut down the Frendo’s Chicken outlet after a thorough inspection revealed non-compliance with essential standards, posing significant risk to public health.

Some of the violations included trading without a valid Certificate of Acceptability, failure to provide records of food handler training, and pest control certification.

“The establishment also had an absence of supplier records and contravened Section 7(2) of the eThekwini Municipality: Food, Milk, and Milk Products By-Law 2022. There were also structural issues identified including the lack of an approved building plan and inadequate ventilation. The City’s Health Unit also found unauthorised use of the storeroom for sleeping accommodation and compromised drainage infrastructure. We also noticed that the same premises had three different food establishments operating,” said Ms Van Heerden.

She said they were working together with the Metro Police to conduct regular patrols.

“The patrols will include monitoring whether this outlet re-opens illegally. Well done to our team of Environmental Health Practitioners for always putting public health first,” said Ms Van Heerden.

Frendo’s Chicken will remain closed until all necessary corrective measures are implemented to meet regulatory standards.