In the RSA the aspect of routine medical examination of food handlers varies considerably amongst health authorities, especially at local government level. Some enforce it through legislation, which makes it compulsory, while others do not require it at all. This situation is not in the best interest of all concerned and the Department of Health has decided to issue the following guidelines in this regard.
As in the rest of the world, the debate continues in the RSA amongst health professionals and public health authorities on the relative merits, costs, and benefits of health surveillance of food-handling personnel by means of routine medical examinations. There is no uniformity in the procedures adopted by authorities requiring surveillance. Universally there is still uncertainty as to whether, and under what circumstances, routine medical examinations are cost-effective in preventing or at least minimizing food contamination.
In the RSA the aspect of routine medical examination of food handlers varies considerably amongst health authorities, especially at local government level. Some enforce it through legislation, which makes it compulsory, while others do not require it at all. This situation is not in the best interest of all concerned and the Department of Health has decided to issue the following guidelines in this regard.
Download Guidelines for handling health of food handler workers.pdf
