The country is still reeling following the deaths of six children in Soweto after they consumed snacks they bought at a local spaza shop. The snacks were reportedly contaminated by pesticides, and health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has since confirmed that the children’s deaths were caused by an organophosphate, terbufos.
This was, unfortunately, not the only incident of food-related illnesses as a result of products bought at spaza shops.
“In the past few weeks, South Africa has been bedevilled by a strange phenomenon of a spate of food-related sudden illnesses and deaths, especially in schools. Those affected have concluded that these ailments are a result of food poisoning emanating from foodstuff, particularly snacks, sold by foreign-owned spaza shops,” the national health department said in a statement.
Last year, Health For Mzansi reported on a similar incident where three schoolchildren died of food poisoning after eating snacks.
Hazardous pesticides can kill you
Regarding the hazardous pesticide that killed the six children, Motsoaledi told the media at a press conference, “Organophosphates are not meant to be found among people in a domestic setting. They are supposed to be utilised in specific settings away from people. To use an organophosphate you need a specific certificate from the department of agriculture because of the dangers that it poses.”
CropLife South Africa and its member companies have expressed grave concern over the reports of children suffering severe health consequences, including fatalities, linked to the consumption of food contaminated by illegal pesticides.
The industry association said investigations indicate some food sold by street vendors and spaza shops may have been tainted through improper pesticide applications.
“We are appalled by these reports,” CropLife SA said in a statement to its members.
“It appears that illegal pesticides have been used to control pests, such as cockroaches and rodents, in food preparation areas, or that these hazardous chemicals have been stored near food meant for public sale.”
CropLife SA
Under South African law, it is illegal for any person to sell, possess, or use pesticides not registered by the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, in accordance with Act No. 36 of 1947.
“This registration ensures that pesticides are sold in original approved packaging, complete with detailed labelling and strict adherence to usage instructions,” CropLife SA emphasised.
Street poisons are illegal
The association highlighted that none of the suspected pesticides tied to these recent incidents have government approvals for household pest control.
“To confirm, these so-called ‘street poisons’ are not registered for such use, are illegally repackaged, and lack essential labelling and warnings regarding their safe application,” said CropLife SA.
Of particular concern are allegations that some street vendors offer pesticides with active ingredients banned in South Africa or intended for agricultural use only.
“CropLife SA strongly urges the relevant authorities to seize these illegal street poisons, enforce existing pesticide regulations, and investigate the channels through which banned products are entering South Africa,” they asserted.
“We urge consumers to purchase only pesticides that are legally registered, sold in their original packaging, and accompanied by official labels that provide clear usage instructions and safety precautions,” CropLife SA concluded.
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