L Sapo

Recently, six children who ate snacks bought at a spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto have died but although the incident was ascribed to food poisoning, it was probably not the case, according to an expert. It is more likely they died from eating food contaminated with a pesticide, such as aldicarb or two-step, based on their symptoms.

In recent months 10 other children have also died from food poisoning in the Gauteng province out of over 200 cases. The increase in food poisoning cases especially in townships, informal settlements, and hostel communities seems to be linked to the identification of an element of pesticides in most of the cases. Most spaza shops do not adhere to safety standards and handle the pesticides and the snacks without the necessary precautions to prevent contamination.

Multiple stakeholders and the Gauteng Department of Education are working to heighten awareness in the affected communities and conduct health education sessions in schools targeting learners and school vendors. We urge Members whose constituencies are in these areas to also ensure that they raise awareness around this issue.