Mpho Patience Hoeane

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry obtained from the University of Western Cape. I am currently employed by the Department of Agriculture under the Chief directorate Inspections and Quarantine services. from (2002 to date). I have over 20 years’ experience in the Enforcement environment. As a risk management strategy, I Apply and interpret the Legislation, assess labelling compliance, perform Food safety Audits, and conduct investigations on elicit products, to ensure compliance. As a Food safety & Quality Assurance professional I have gained extensive experience of working with National Legislation & international standards. Among the legislation I enforce is the Agricultural Products Standard Act. (Act 119 of 1990), the Liquor Act, (Act 60 of 1989) and the Pest Act (Act 36 of 1983). Enforcing food safety regulations and Export standards, ensures that south Africa meet international standards and maintains its position as a trusted and competitive partner in international trade. Ensuring food safety and Quality also boosts consumer confidence in the locally produced food commodities.

I am responsible for physically, inspecting the agricultural commodities by visiting the manufacturers, food processors, packers, Distributors, Importers and Exporters. Drawing samples, using & following sampling procedures, transporting samples following procedures without contaminating samples and submitting them to the laboratory where I will either virtually analyze them or chemically analyze them according to the prescribed laboratory procedures. In cases where I an unable to analyse the sample myself I register the sample and send it to the external laboratory. I am also responsible to evaluate the product labels for compliance to the marking requirements as specified in the respective Food regulations. I evaluate whether the label has all the minimum requirements as prescribed by the legislation and it is informative and non-misleading to the consumer. I am also responsible to Audit entities appointed by the Department to do export Inspections on behalf of the department on certain regulated plant and Animal products destined for Export. As the inspector of the department, I Audit these entities to ensure that they apply, interpret, and enforce the regulations correctly. I also do routine unannounced Retail visits to monitor what is sold at the end point of Trade (Farm to fork) I also participate in stakeholder investigations on elicit food products. that are sold at south African markets. I also participating in Promotion and awareness programmers As a Chief inspector I am a supervisor to two Junior Inspectors. I’m responsible to manage their workplans, leave plans, Evaluations and other administration functions I am responsible for financial management within the unit, I sit on various stakeholders’ committees, I interact well with internal as well as external clients. I has excellent communication skills. As a microbiology and Biochemistry graduate, I am proud to be part of the team that works to ensures food safety, Quality and Labelling compliance in the Food Industry. I have over 20 years of experience in law enforcement industry. I work as a Food products Sampler, Food Inspector, Laboratory Analyst, I can interpret data and decide based on the analysis report whether the product meet the specifications or not. I have good Presentation skills, communication skills and I am good at writing detailed comprehensive reports. I can work under pressure and to travel as the work requires.

• South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions
• Registration number – 200013/13
• Registered as – Certificated Natural Scientist, Lev