South Africa declares ‘national disaster’ over wave of food poisonings

South Africa has classified a spate of poisonings as a “national disaster” after at least 23 children died in recent months.

A five-year-old boy this week became the latest suspected victim to die after reportedly eating snacks from a small shop in Soweto.

Blame for several deaths food tainted by pesticides purchased from small convenience stores in townships, although it is unclear whether the incidents are related.

President Cyril Ramaphosa last week unveiled a plan to remove suspected pesticides from streets and shops and ordered informal convenience stores, known as spaza shops or warehouses, to register within 21 days.

The worst recent incident occurred in October when six children died after allegedly eating snacks purchased from a spa store in Naledi, Soweto.

Toxicology reports showed they were poisoned by an organophosphate pesticide called terbufos.

This chemical is highly toxic and is widely used on citrus fruits, corn and potatoes, but is often also sold illegally as an outdoor pesticide against urban rat infestations.

Mr Ramaphosa said last week: “After extensive testing, a packet of chips found on one of the deceased children had traces of terbufos both inside and outside the packet.”

Inspections following the children’s deaths took samples from 84 spa shops and found evidence of terbufos use was found in three spa shops.

Inspectors also found food stored near pesticides.

“Our people have every right to be upset and angry in the face of such tragedies,” Mr Ramaphosa said.

At least 890 cases of foodborne illness have been reported since September.

Velenkosini Hlabisa, minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, said classifying poisonings as a national disaster gives authorities more regulatory powers to enforce standards.

He said it was possible the government could go ahead and declare a national disaster, which would give it sweeping emergency powers.

Doctors will also have to urgently report deaths of patients under 12 years of age to give experts a better idea of ​​the scale of the problem.

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the health minister, said terbufos was often widely available and not just in spa stores. He said it was also sold at taxi ranks and street vendors.

He said: “It’s all over now, so I don’t think there’s a need to attack any one area.”

John Steenhuisen, the agriculture minister, said the terbufos found during investigations did not appear to be locally produced.

He said: “If you look at photographs of what was found in spaza shops, it differs quite significantly from the color and texture of locally produced terbufos.”

Many spa shops are owned by foreign nationals, and the poisonings have heightened tensions over the number of migrants in the country.

Shop owners are wondering if 21 days is enough to register their entire business. There are about 1,000 spa shops in Soweto alone.

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