SA's food quality lags on world index

SOUTH Africa was ranked 67 out of 125 countries by British aid group Oxfam's global survey measuring food prices, quality and availability.

The country's food prices were scored as good, but concerns were raised about food quality and the incidence of diabetes and obesity.

According to the survey, published earlier this week, researchers used eight established global data sources like the World Health Organisation. Four aspects crucial to food security were measured: availability, people getting enough to eat; food quality and diabetes and obesity.

South Africa scored in the average range for all of these. The country was rated well for affordability but on the low end for food quality. Zimbabwe and Angola both scored in the low range for their high food prices.

South Africa also scored badly for people suffering from diabetes. - Estelle Ellis