Cape Town lab tests thousands of samples as city notes increase in foodborne illnesses
Noting a gradual increase in foodborne illnesses, the City of Cape Town says its microbiological laboratory has tested nearly 5,000 food samples over 10 months to verify the items were safe to eat.
Tests are conducted on ready-to-eat and dairy products, from sushi to baked goods. The laboratory also conducts testing of samples in cases of foodborne illnesses. Food handling, production and processing environments from manufacturers to retailers and takeaways to old age homes, informal traders and spaza shops are included in the sampling.
'The testing is essential for identifying unhygienic conditions, poor food handling practices and possible contamination to prevent potential outbreaks,' said the city.
'Over 10 months since July 2024, the laboratory received 4,853 samples that were subjected to 17,759 analyses. The sample results yielded an overall compliance rate of 84.55%.'
The city said it had noted a 'steady increase' in reported foodborne illnesses from July 2022 to April 2025.
'As Covid-19 restrictions eased, there was a return to normal food handling, dining and social behaviours. This may have led to increased exposure to foodborne pathogens and a rebound in reported cases. The increase in notifications, specially in 2024, may also reflect better detection, reporting and surveillance systems as public health operations normalised post-pandemic,' said community services and health MMC Francine Higham.
'However, as the underreporting of foodborne illness is known to be extensive, the actual incidence is likely to be far higher, which reinforces the need for regular testing of foodstuffs in the public domain.'
The city described its health department's food microbiological laboratory and environmental health practitioners as frontline defenders against foodborne illnesses.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
SA highlights strong surveillance as new COVID variant spreads across Asia
South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia. This is according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), which is underway in Johannesburg. Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this 'a variant under monitoring' due to its growing presence. India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1. According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China. In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week. 'I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. 'Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi explained. South Africa is currently experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but the country is well-prepared to manage the situation, he said. 'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.' Motsoaledi said government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell. 'These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.' Meanwhile, he called on the attendees of the meeting to work together with 'renewed urgency and unwavering resolve'. 'Let us build a future where solidarity, equity, and cooperation are the cornerstones of our global health architecture.' The week-long Health Working Group meeting began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday. It brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world's largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations. The plenary sessions will build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and address ongoing barriers to accessing countermeasures, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There will be a focus on prioritising the expansion of local and regional manufacturing capacity, especially in regions like Africa. Delegates will also explore opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable financing, and regulatory alignment to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools during health emergencies. –


The South African
16 hours ago
- The South African
SA government warns against fake news on Covid-19 variant
The Government has sounded the alarm for a fake news alert regarding a new Covid-19 variant. Taking to social media, the South African government warned citizens of the false post, by sharing the picture with a huge red fake across it. FAKE POST CLAIMS VIRUS IS DEADLY A post that has been widely shared across social media suggests a Covid-Omicron XBB is contagious, violent and deadly. The post reads, 'Several patients diagnosed with Covid Omicron XBB were finally classified as having no fever, no pain, but X-ray results showed mild chest pneumonia. Nasal swab tests frequently provide negative results for Covid-Omicron XBB, and cases of nasopharyngeal tests providing false negative results are increasing.' The post also suggested that the virus can be easily and affect lungs, causing viral pneumonia, which can cause acute respiratory stress. Meanwhile, the Department of Health shared that South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1. The government previously warned that anyone who creates or spreads fake news about the Coronavirus Covid-19 is liable for prosecution. They also warned that information should be verified before it is shared. You can report fake news through the Real411 website: HAVE YOU EVER FALLEN FOR A FAKE NEWS STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news


The Citizen
21 hours ago
- The Citizen
New Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 spreading, what to expect in SA
Speaking at the G20 Health Working Group on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is well prepared to respond. As the new Covid-19 variant spreads across China, South Africa is closely monitoring the Omicron descendant, NB.1.8.1, as health authorities prepare for its potential arrival. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), as of Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the NB.1.8.1 variant has not been detected in South Africa. 'Data from the NICD's respiratory illness syndromic surveillance programmes, which operate in selected public and private hospitals and outpatient facilities, show that the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections is currently low,' it said. However, the country is experiencing a rise in influenza (flu) cases due to the onset of the cold season. 'South Africa is well prepared' Speaking at the G20 Health Working Group in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is well prepared to respond. 'I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. 'Our NICD manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi explained. ALSO READ: Fizz away colds and flu with newly-launched Cepacol raspberry effervescent Furthermore, the minister said that the updated recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 remain effective. 'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public,' he said. Flu season Motsoaledi said the government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including hand washing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell. 'These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.' During flu season, the NICD reminded the public to practice hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as cover coughs and sneezes. 'Individuals who are unwell with respiratory symptoms should practice regular hand washing, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with people who may be at high risk of severe respiratory illness,' it urged. NOW READ: Why a flu jab is still the smartest thing you can do this winter