The recent flurry of enforcement action by the Gaborone City Council (GCC) against major food retailers and restaurants is not just news, it is a vital and welcome step towards protecting public health.
We commend the GCC inspectors for their vigilance in uncovering serious hygiene violations at establishments like Pick 'n Pay (South Ring Mall), Bravo Restaurant (Main Mall), Chicken Twist (Bonnington), Spar (Main Mall Bakery and Butchery), Choppies Butchery, Pie Time, and Fours Bakery. Their decisive action which includes temporary closures, confiscation of unsafe food, and laying charges sends a powerful, necessary message: food safety is non-negotiable.
The pattern revealed by these cases is deeply concerning. Repeatedly, inspectors found employees handling food without appropriate protective equipment (PPE) or valid medical certificates of fitness. Premises were described as unsanitary, unhygienic, and in some instances, lacked even basic necessities like running water (Chicken Twist). Poor waste handling and sub-standard food storage practices were also common charges. The sheer volume of condemned produce, like the thousands of bread items at Fours Bakery, highlights the scale of the risk averted. This isn't minor negligence; it's a fundamental failure in the duty of care these businesses owe to their customers.
To Food Establishments: Hiring the right people is paramount. Stop cutting corners. Invest in recruiting staff who understand food hygiene principles and ensure they are fully equipped with the correct PPE. Provide rigorous, ongoing training. Secure valid medical certificates of fitness for all food handlers. Maintaining spotless premises and impeccable food storage isn't an option; it's the absolute minimum standard required by law and basic decency. The GCC's crackdown proves lax practices will not be tolerated. Comply, not just to avoid closure, but because the health of your customers depends on it.
To the GCC: Your recent enforcement drive is highly commendable. Please maintain this momentum. Rigorous, unannounced inspections must be the norm, not the exception. Furthermore, we urge you to look closely at your own licensing and inspection processes. Ensure your officers are beyond reproach, conducting their duties with the highest integrity. Any suggestion of corruption or leniency towards violators must be investigated thoroughly and dealt with severely. Public trust in your enforcement hinges on the transparency and fairness of your officers.
To the Public: Vigilance is your shield. When buying food, especially from takeaways, bakeries, or butchers, take a moment to observe. Does the premises look clean? Are staff wearing gloves, hairnets, or clean aprons? Is food stored properly? Trust your instincts – if something looks or feels off, don't buy it. Report serious concerns about hygiene to the GCC. Your choices and your voice are powerful tools in demanding safer food.
