In a concerning revelation, Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili announced during a media briefing in Pretoria that food borne illnesses have taken the lives of at least 41 individuals across South Africa, with a staggering 38 of the deceased being children.
The briefing, attended by various government ministers, provided insights into the national response to this growing health crisis, which has sparked outrage and fear among communities.
"We are currently handling a total of 32 cases related to these illnesses, and unfortunately, we haven't had any arrests connected to the recent cases," Mosikili stated. He added that three individuals have been arrested and are facing prosecution for poison-related offences. The need for urgent action has never been clearer as the nation grapples with rising incidents of illness linked to food sourced from local spaza shops.
The alarming rise in food borne illnesses has not only led to fatalities but has raised broader concerns about food safety across the country. Retail giant Masscash, which operates Cash & Carry Stores among others, acknowledged the growing epidemic, declaring product safety as a core priority.
"Our focus on product safety extends well beyond our stores," stated Peter Mamabolo, Vice President of Masscash.
He elaborated that the company only partners with reputable suppliers who adhere to strict criteria regarding manufacturing processes and product safety.
Mamabolo outlined a robust food safety programme that includes daily stock rotations to eliminate expired goods and independent quarterly audits to ensure compliance with health standards.
For stores featuring butcheries, bakeries, and delis, environmental microbiological testing is conducted to assess the safety of prepared food, covering contact surfaces and hand swabs.
Further compounding the issue, South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre classified the recent increase in food borne illnesses as a national disaster, as announced by former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane.
The classification follows a spate of illnesses this year that resulted in at least 890 reported incidents, leaving many individuals hospitalised and contributing to the tragic loss of lives.
The Star