The Food Lovers Market store in Diepkloof Soweto will remain closed until the City of Joburg Environmental Health Department is satisfied that all health standards are complied with.

A second Food Lovers Market outlet in Jabulani, Soweto was also visited by the environmental health inspectors. Following the inspection this past week, the outlet has been closed since yesterday and will remain closed today to allow for deep cleaning process and fumigation.  

According to our Environmental Health Inspectors, the outlet has been monitored since it opened in 2013. Investigations and monitoring mainly focused on rodent infestations. Our environmental health inspectors in the region said they noted that the store did not comply with a number of food safety regulations and that remedial actions were recommended.

Before the video footage showing a rodent inside a fridge where food was kept went viral, notices to comply with waste management, pest control and hygiene requirements were issued to the outlet.

Member of the mayoral committee for Health and Social Development, Cllr Mpho Phalatse had instructed environmental health inspectors in the region of Soweto to diligently investigate the Food Lovers outlet in Soweto and submit a detailed report to her office.

Phalatse said her department will not shy away from shutting down outlets if they place the lives of residents at risk. She said food safety would not be compromised and all outlets regardless of their size should comply.

“I would like to really commend the environmental health practitioners who once again upheld the city’s service with pride objective and put the health of residents first. Anyone operating a food outlet in the City of Johannesburg must adhere to food safety regulations. This is not negotiable. We will continue to act without fear or favour against all who transgress the city’s bylaws until such transgressions are a thing of the past” said Phalatse

Environmental Health is obligated to enforce applicable legislation and to ensure that premises are complaint with provisions of such laws. Failure to remove or abate conditions that are unsightly, offensive, hazardous or detrimental to the health and well-being of people may result in litigation actions.

For media queries:

Lesego Mathibela

Stakeholder Manager, Office of the MMC for Health and Social Development

Tel: (011) 407 – 6725

Mobile: 061 497 8286

E-mail: LesegoMat@joburg.org.za and Cojhealthsocial@gmail.com

Website: www.joburg.org.za