A Pinetown butchery has been shut down after health inspections revealed that it had no hot running water, nor pest control measures and was overstocking and storing meat in a way that increased the potential for cross contamination.
While he admitted fault, owner Jackie Da Souza said he had applied for a business licence but had not known that he had to apply for the Certificate of Acceptability as well.
On Tuesday March 12 the eThekwini Municipality’s environmental health practitioners issued a notice of prohibition to Roots Butchery located in Pinecrest Centre, Pinetown.
The butchery had failed to meet the necessary standards outlined in the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972 (Act No. 54 of 1972), R638 Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food, as well as the city’s Food and Milk Products By-Law of 2022, said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana.
“Roots Butchery was found to be operating without the essential Certificate of Acceptability, which is a compliance certificate required for food businesses,” she said.
“The premises had overstocked meat products stored in a manner that risked cross-contamination. The absence of hot running water, an ineffective pest control programme to manage fly infestations, and inadequate storage for cleaning chemicals further contributed to the unhygienic conditions,” said Ms Sisilana.
Rose Van Heerden, head of the city’s health unit added that any business that failed to comply with relevant environmental health legislations would face closure.
“Public health is important, and we must ensure we crack the whip where needed to ensure health and safety standards are maintained,” said Ms Van Heerden.
She added that the the butchery needed to obtain a Certificate of Acceptability before it would be allowed to resume operations and would also have to adhere to the conditions outlined in the prohibition notice to ensure compliance with regulations.
When YOUR eThekwini spoke to Mr Da Souza, he said he had applied for the certificate this week.
He had also had the geyser fixed and the health department was expected to visit him soon to check if everything was in order, he added.