By Fanuel Chinowaita
Participants at Food handling Training Workshop
Mutare, June 7, 2025 – The City of Mutare, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), yesterday hosted a comprehensive food safety training workshop aimed at strengthening food handling standards across the city’s hospitality sector.
The training, held yesterday at the Civic Centre Council Chamber, brought together representatives from 11 prominent food outlets including Manica SkyView Hotel, Minach, Shakspoon, Enopat, Kariba Fresh, G Five, Venice, Romeo Chips, Lacoola, Franco, and Wise Owl Motel. Participants included chefs, kitchen staff, and hospitality students on industrial attachment.
A keynote speech delivered by Mrs. Mutombo, Environmental Health Officer at MoHCC, on behalf of Provincial Medical Director Dr. Mukuzunga, underscored the importance of food safety in public health.
“Food safety is crucial for public health, and your role as food handlers is vital in preventing foodborne illnesses,” read the statement. “This training has not only equipped you with hygiene knowledge and best practices, it has instilled in you a sense of responsibility. Your diligence can prevent illness. Your professionalism can build trust. Your attention to detail can save lives.”
The training focused on hygiene, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and compliance with national food safety legislation, including the Public Health Act and the Food Standards Act.
Dr. Mukuzunga commended the organizers and participating establishments for their commitment to enhancing food safety standards. “Your participation demonstrates your dedication to serving safe and quality food to the public,” he said.
Following the event, Shumirai Madzivire, Administrator of Manica SkyView Hotel, applauded the initiative.
“We benefited from further educational knowledge on food handling for our chefs.
“When visitors know that our staff are trained and certified, they feel more comfortable dealing with us. We serve many people, including foreigners, so showing these certificates is an added advantage.
“This training is also part of our preparation for the upcoming Sanganai Hlanganani Tourism Expo in Mutare. Our organization is fully prepared that’s why we sent all our food handlers from various departments, including the stores and kitchen. Some of them are students on attachment, and we gave them the opportunity to attend and learn as well”, she said
The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, marking a significant step towards improved food safety practices in the city’s hospitality industry.