The rising number of food-borne illnesses in South Africa, particularly among
children, has led to hospitalisations and tragic fatalities, leaving families devastated
and communities concerned. These cases have made headlines across the country,
with investigations pointing to possible food contamination and periodically reigniting
national conversations about food safety.
It’s a stark reminder of how high the stakes are when hygiene fails.
Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager for Unilever Professional, explains, “In many
businesses, visual cleanliness is prioritised, and hygiene protocols often rely on
surface-level inspections and routine tasks – if it looks clean, it must be clean. But,”
he cautions, “hygiene goes far beyond what the eye can see.”
For South Africa’s food industry, this carries particular weight. Cross-contamination,
poor storage practices, and undetected temperature changes are often invisible risks
that surface only when it’s too late.
Beyond the ethical responsibility, there’s also a legal duty of care – and it doesn’t lie
with inspectors or cleaners; it rests squarely with the employer.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and the Foodstuffs,
Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972):
Food must be handled and stored in safe, hygienic conditions.
Businesses must ensure their premises are clean and free from risk.
Staff must be properly trained in hygiene practices, and supervision must be
in place.
People and profit typically dominate business discussions. Hygiene rarely makes it
onto the agenda. “But it should,” Madkins notes. “Because one lapse can quickly turn
into a major crisis that affects both.”
He points to some high-stakes vulnerabilities that, if left unchecked, can escalate into
serious business consequences. But the greatest cost is one no business wants to
carry – the loss of life or public trust.
Risk Category Risk Potential Impact
Direct Risk Food contamination Illness, death, public health
investigations, forced closures.
Regulatory non-
compliance
Legal action, fines, forced closures.
Consequential
Risk
Operational
disruption
Inspections, delays, temporary business
suspension.
Reputational Negative media coverage, loss of
damage customer trust.
Financial impact Revenue decline, compensation claims,
increased insurance costs.
What Businesses Can Do
The good news is that many of the most serious risks can be prevented with the right
systems in place.
Madkins recommends some practical steps to help food industry businesses mitigate
hygiene risks:
Audit, Act, Repeat
Don’t wait for an inspection – make hygiene audits routine, not reactive. Spot
gaps early and address them promptly.
Train, Train and Train some more
Ensure every person who handles food is trained on and understands safe
storage, cross-contamination risks, and personal and environmental hygiene
protocols. Consistent refresher training will help to reinforce safe practices,
prevent complacency, and ensure hygiene remains a daily priority.
Store smartly
Food should be stored away from cleaning products, cold chains must be
maintained, and raw and cooked items handled separately.
Records matter
If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. Cleaning schedules, temperature logs,
and staff training records show due diligence, provide proof of compliance,
and help protect your business.
Stay current
Food safety laws change. Make sure your practices – and your staff training –
keep pace.
Safety Starts with the Right Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal. Choose cleaning solutions that
are right for the job. Products such as Unilever Professional’s Handy Andy
Professional range of food safe certified cleaners are formulated to help
maintain a hygienic, hazard-free environment, supporting safe and
contamination-free food preparation.
For families who have been impacted by these types of incidents, no policy or
checklist will ever undo the lasting impact on their lives. But for the thousands of
businesses across South Africa that handle food, from production to plate, their story
is a powerful and sobering reminder.
“Cleanliness isn’t just about sparkle. It’s about systems. It’s about safety. And
ultimately, it’s about the people we serve,” Madkins concludes.
For more information on Unilever Professional products and how they can support
your cleaning needs, visit https://www.unileverprofessional.co.za/.
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 650
Press Release Disseminated on Behalf of:
Jeffrey Madkins
Marketing Manager: Unilever Professional
About Unilever Professional
Unilever Professional is a trusted partner for businesses in South Africa, offering innovative
and effective cleaning and hygiene solutions. As part of the global Unilever family, Unilever
Professional leverages well-known brands like OMO, Sunlight, Domestos, and Handy Andy
to meet the needs of South African businesses across diverse industries. From hotels and
restaurants to healthcare facilities and office spaces, our products are designed to deliver
superior cleaning power, ensuring a better clean, better business.
Maintaining a safe and clean environment is crucial for a business’s success. Unilever
Professional provides tailored solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable. With
a strong commitment to environmentally friendly practices, our products help businesses
reduce their ecological footprint while upholding top-tier hygiene standards.
Unilever Professional goes beyond just providing products; we offer expert support to ensure
your business can maximise efficiency, reduce operational costs, and maintain an
exceptional level of cleanliness. Whether it’s ensuring spotless surfaces or a monthly deep
clean, Unilever Professional is dedicated to supporting South African businesses with
reliable, sustainable solutions that meet the highest standards.
