Recent Food Protection Measures in South Africa: A Step Forward for Food Safety and Public Health
In an active fight against the recent spate of food poisonings that have mainly affected young children in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced several strong measures to ensure food safety and public health protection in the country.
One of the key measures announced by the President is the immediate closure of spaza shops implicated in the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto. These deaths have been confirmed to be directly caused by exposure to the organophosphate chemical Terbufos, a hazardous pesticide commonly used to control rats but illegally sold as a “street pesticide” for domestic use in townships and informal settlements.
These tragic deaths have highlighted the magnitude of the problem of unregulated use of pesticides and hazardous chemicals in South African communities, with devastating consequences for public health. In response to the crisis, the South African government has launched a major inspection campaign in spaza shops, corner shops, and other informal businesses to verify compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
In addition, interdisciplinary inspection teams, comprising various government agencies and health professionals, will be deployed to conduct thorough inspections of food facilities in provinces most affected by food poisoning. Any establishment found not to comply with regulatory standards will be immediately closed to protect the public from the risks associated with improper food handling.
In addition to the closures of non-compliant spaza shops and businesses, President Ramaphosa has stressed the need for increased public awareness on food safety standards, the risks associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals, and the legal consequences for violators. Nationwide education campaigns will be conducted to inform communities and informal traders of current regulations and good food safety practices.
In parallel, strict measures will be taken to strengthen the supervision of food supplies in public schools, with close collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to update the guidelines for the management of food suppliers and ensure the safety of meals served to students. It is imperative to protect our children from exposure to harmful substances and ensure rigorous safety and hygiene standards in educational institutions..
This proactive government initiative marks a major milestone in protecting public health and promoting higher food safety standards in South Africa. It demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens by putting in place effective preventative measures to prevent the risks of food poisoning and exposure to harmful chemicals. By working together to strengthen controls and regulations, South Africa is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy food supply for all its citizens.