Cape Winelands Municipality warns restaurants against allowing pets in food-serving areas
By: Dizindaba Staff Reporter | Cape Winelands
Restaurant owners face R2,000 fine for contravening food hygiene regulations
The Cape Winelands District Municipality has warned restaurant and food establishment owners that allowing pets, particularly dogs, in areas where food is prepared, handled or served is prohibited under national food hygiene regulations.
The municipality has reminded food business owners and managers that Regulation 10(10) of the Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, the Transport of Food and Related Matters (R638 of 22 June 2018), prohibits animals from being kept or permitted in areas where food is handled.
The regulation applies to both indoor and outdoor dining areas where food is served. This means that restaurants cannot simply declare themselves pet-friendly and allow customers to bring their dogs into food-serving areas.
There are, however, specific exceptions. Guide dogs and service dogs accompanying people with disabilities may be permitted in the sales or serving areas of food premises. Fish, molluscs and crustaceans may also be kept alive until they are prepared for consumption.
The regulations define food handling broadly to include the preparation, production, processing, storage, transportation, display, sale and serving of food. Consequently, the restriction is not limited to restaurant kitchens but also extends to areas where customers eat.
According to the municipality, allowing animals in prohibited areas constitutes an offence under Regulation 15. The contravention carries an admission-of-guilt fine of R2,000, and the person in charge of the food premises may be held accountable.
The municipality’s Municipal Health Services Division will monitor compliance and enforce the regulations throughout the Cape Winelands District.
Restaurant and food establishment owners who require clarification are encouraged to contact the municipality’s Municipal Health Services offices.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report incidents where animals are permitted in prohibited food-serving areas.
Where to report incidents:
- Stellenbosch: 021 888 5800
- Drakenstein: 021 870 3200
- Breede Valley: 023 348 2300
- Witzenberg: 023 316 8400 / 023 312 3111
- Langeberg: 023 626 8300 / 023 626 3191
The municipality has called on all food establishment owners and persons in charge to familiarise themselves with the regulations and ensure that their premises comply with the required food safety and hygiene standards.
