Since September, South Africa has reported 890 cases of foodborne illnesses across all provinces, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 children’s lives. These alarming statistics have led the government to declare foodborne illnesses a national disaster, mobilizing an interdisciplinary task team to address the crisis.
During a media briefing on 21 November, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosi Hlabisa, outlined a comprehensive action plan to tackle this issue.
The Department of Health has prioritized the appointment of health experts to serve on a Ministerial Advisory Committee. This committee will address the critical shortage of environmental health inspectors and implement urgent solutions to strengthen food safety measures nationwide.
The Department of Basic Education has also stepped in, issuing a circular to all provincial education departments and schools. This directive includes best practice protocols for preventing and managing foodborne illnesses in educational institutions, ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.
Terbufos and Its Link to Soweto Deaths
Terbufos, an agricultural pesticide, was linked to the deaths of six children in Soweto in October. Following this tragic incident, 84 spaza shops were inspected, and terbufos was found in three of them.
Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi clarified that while terbufos was detected in these shops, there is currently no direct evidence linking it to the children’s deaths. Legal action cannot be pursued unless police or detectives can confirm that one of the deceased children purchased food from the implicated shops.
“For now, we cannot prove anything, and taking legal action might not hold in court. Detectives are still investigating,” Motsoaledi explained.
He further emphasized that terbufos is not exclusive to spaza shops. The pesticide is widely available in various locations, including taxi ranks and street vendors, highlighting the broader scope of the issue.
The Government’s Commitment
As the investigation continues, the government is committed to implementing stricter food safety protocols and holding accountable those who compromise public health. The proactive measures taken by multiple departments reflect a unified effort to protect citizens, especially vulnerable children, from the dangers of foodborne illnesses.
