- Municipality and ESWASA Train Food Businesses On International Standards
BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Ezulwini Municipality on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, concluded a two-day food safety awareness training programme aimed at strengthening hygiene standards and improving safe food handling practices across the town’s hospitality and retail sectors.
The training programme was held from:
- Tuesday, 19 May 2026
- To Wednesday, 20 May 2026
in collaboration with the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA) ahead of the upcoming World Food Safety Day commemorations.
The initiative targeted:
- Food handlers
- Store managers
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Accommodation establishments
- Other food-related businesses operating within Ezulwini
Training Based On International ISO Standards
According to organisers, the programme was based on:
- ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management System
an internationally recognised standard focused on food safety management within food businesses and supply chains.
The training outlined key principles involving:
- Safe food handling
- Hygiene management
- Food contamination prevention
- Food storage procedures
- Safety compliance systems
Participants were guided on identifying major hazards linked to:
- Food contamination
- Foodborne illnesses
- Unsafe food preparation environments
Officials stressed that strengthening food safety awareness is critical in protecting both residents and visitors.
Public Health And Tourism Linked
As one of Eswatini’s leading tourism destinations, Ezulwini continues attracting:
- Local visitors
- International tourists
- Hospitality investors
- Conference and event guests
Officials said maintaining strong food safety standards plays an important role in:
- Protecting public health
- Enhancing visitor confidence
- Supporting tourism growth
- Strengthening the town’s image
The municipality noted that safe food practices are increasingly important within:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Retail food outlets
- Tourism facilities
particularly as tourism activity continues growing.
Municipality Pledges More Annual Programmes
The Ezulwini Municipality described the training as:
- The first initiative of its kind in the area
and pledged to introduce similar programmes annually to support food businesses and promote safer food practices across the region.
Participants were reminded about the importance of:
- Proper hygiene
- Safe food handling procedures
- Consistent safety compliance
- Public health responsibility
The municipality said the programme forms part of broader efforts aimed at:
- Strengthening community health
- Supporting businesses
- Improving service standards
- Promoting safer food environments
ESWASA Continues Supporting Quality Standards
Eswatini Standards Authority continues working with businesses and local authorities to improve compliance with national and international quality standards.
The authority plays a key role in:
- Consumer protection
- Standards certification
- Product safety
- Quality assurance
- Food safety regulation
Officials say stronger compliance with food safety standards contributes directly to:
- Better public health outcomes
- Increased consumer confidence
- Stronger tourism reputation
- Improved business competitiveness
World Food Safety Day Approaching
World Food Safety Day is commemorated annually to raise awareness about:
- Food safety
- Foodborne disease prevention
- Safe food production
- Public health protection
The campaign encourages governments, businesses and communities to work together in promoting safe food practices throughout the food supply chain.
