Safer kotas

While it has had a terrible impact on people’s lives, Khoza says, the listeriosis crisis has focused more attention on hygiene.

“Food safety is the No 1 challenge right now,” he says.

“People don’t take it seriously enough and it is a really serious business. The whole food industry is taking note.

“For big companies like Tsogo Sun it is much easier to control. We have a centralised buying department, people who set guidelines about who we can buy from as well as standards, so that shields us from a lot of malpractice to which smaller guys are exposed.

“Saca is helping the small guys. Our mandate is to engage with Tiger Brands and other producers to see what can be implemented, and to share information.

“We are not just for big chefs. We have hundreds of members who are township caterers and street cooks.

“We run courses funded by companies where we teach food-costing and hygiene.

“To help the kota guys remain in business we are working with them on vegetarian options and non-processed meat ideas. Not using polony does not have to be the end of the world. “