If the exposé by the SABC prime time news last week where some big retailers were caught selling products and meat found not to be fit for human consumption is anything to go by, consumers should become so vigilant.

Coincidentally, the exposé comes during the public health awareness which has started from 13 August and will proceed until the International World Food Day; 16 October 2012. It aims at increasing the level of understanding of food safety to the consumers. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), studies from around the world have shown that 60% of the diseases that affected humans over the past 10 years have been caused by pathogens originating from animal. Perhaps the ignorance of the public on the existence of the Meat Safety Act (MSA) contributes to the problem.  

The study states further that numbers of well-known and preventable animal diseases that can be transmitted continue to occur in many countries affecting the poorest segment of the human population, causing serious amount of deaths and millions of people who are affected every year. This trend according to Veterinary Services brings the need for vigorous health education on promotion of safe food handling and hygiene practices in the community.

The objective of this campaign are to create broad awareness to the general public on the existence of the Meat Safety Act (MSA), its purpose and the role of Veterinary Public Health (VPH) in the country and to also promote responsible consumer behaviour.

The activities include exhibitions and distribution of information brochures in public places, interaction with community and traditional leaders, interdepartmental operations (health and SAPS), presentations to schools, clinics and other institutions on variety of health related topics including sanitation, hygiene, zoonosis, illegal and ritual slaughtering and MSA. These activities are conducted under the theme, “Food Safety is Food Security.”