“20 Lives Lost in Food Poisoning Crisis, Ekurhuleni at the Forefront”
Since the beginning of 2024, food poisoning has claimed the lives of 20 people, with a total of 372 reported cases across Gauteng. A significant number of these cases have been recorded in Ekurhuleni, which has seen 190 incidents, the highest concentration in the province.
To address the growing concern, Gautengâs MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, alongside the City of Ekurhuleniâs MMC for Developmental Planning, Nomadlozi Nkosi, led a food safety compliance inspection on Friday. The joint effort, involving a team of environmental health experts, uncovered serious violations at several local businesses. A compliance notice was issued to one spaza shop for multiple violations, demanding corrective actions within five days.
### **Unhygienic Practices and Noncompliance Found at Local Establishments**
The investigation revealed disturbing health and safety lapses, including improper food handling. For instance, food was found stored alongside cleaning detergents on the same shelves, and some items were placed directly on the floor. Such unsanitary practices heighten the risk of contamination, making food unsafe for consumption.
In addition, authorities closed another illegal spaza shop operating on municipal land. The shopâs owners were found living on the premises, a clear violation that compromised hygiene standards. During the inspection, expired and unlabelled food products were confiscated, further highlighting the grave concerns surrounding the quality of food sold in these establishments.
Another shop received a verbal warning after it addressed several compliance issues, such as removing dented cans and ensuring proper labelling of food products.
### **Food Poisoning vs. Chemical Poisoning: Understanding the Differences**
The Department of Health emphasized the difference between food poisoning and chemical poisoning, as both can have serious consequences. Food poisoning typically occurs when contaminated food or water is consumed, while chemical poisoning, like that seen in the recent deaths of children in Soweto, happens from exposure to dangerous substances such as organophosphate chemicals.
Authorities have urged local communities to stay vigilant and report any violations to prevent further outbreaks. âFoodborne illnesses are a societal issue, and we must all work together to ensure a safer food environment for our families,â said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. âI encourage communities to report noncompliance to local municipalities immediately,â she added.
### **Ongoing Efforts to Address Foodborne Illnesses in Schools**
The issue of food poisoning has also affected local schools, with reports of multiple students falling ill after consuming food purchased from spaza shops. In Katlehong, three learners have tragically died, while 32 others have been hospitalized and later discharged.
In response, the Acting Premier and MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is set to visit the families of the deceased and survivors of these food poisoning incidents in Katlehong on Wednesday. The provincial government continues to monitor these situations closely to prevent further tragedies.
### **A Call to Action for Improved Food Safety**
The recent wave of foodborne illnesses underscores the urgent need for stricter food safety regulations and greater public awareness. The government, in partnership with local businesses and communities, is working to ensure that food sold in spaza shops and other informal markets meets the necessary safety standards. It is clear that the issue of food safety requires a collective effort to protect consumers from harm and to ensure that tragic incidents like these are avoided in the future.
