Question NW268 to the Minister of Trade and Industry
24 February 2016 - NW268
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)Whether his department, seen against the background of the current economic challenges, unemployment and the decline in food production because of the drought and other factors, has conducted a complete study to establish how much food is wasted in South Africa for example by way of the discarding of fruit that does not meet form standards, supermarkets that throw away old products and restaurants that throw away unused food; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant particulars; (2) whether he will consider undertaking such a study; (3) whether he will consider ordering an investigation to establish how the edible throwaway food could be made available to food banks and bodies that would distribute is effectively to needy people; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant particulars?NW272E
Reply:
(1) The Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) are the most suitable departments to deal with this matter. Food Control section within DoH is responsible for ensuring the safety of food in South Africa. This service is based on the basic needs of communities and the right of South Africans to make informed food choices without being misled. According to a presentation by DAFF in a Workshop to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries held on 2 and 3 February 2016; on Food Security and Food Safety; the food wastage in South Africa is approximately 9.04 million tons every year. In this regard, a presentation is attached as “Annex A”, please see the penultimate page of the presentation.
(2) The Minister of Trade and Industry will not be undertaking any such study.
(3) The Minister of Trade and Industry will not be considering ordering an investigation to establish how the edible throwaway food could be made available to food banks and bodies that would distribute is effectively to needy people as this function does not fall within the ambit of trade and industry but the DoH and DAFF.