South Africa recently declared a national disaster due to an alarming outbreak of foodborne illnesses. Since September 2024, the outbreak has caused over 22 deaths, including children, and more than 890 reported cases. Contributing factors include unsafe food handling, inadequate hygiene, improper waste disposal, and the use of banned pesticides like Terbufos and Aldicarb, often used informally in township areas to control rat infestations.
The government is implementing urgent measures, such as stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, real-time monitoring of child mortality under age 12, and the establishment of health advisory committees. Inspections of informal shops, particularly spaza shops, are underway to address contamination risks from improper storage of food and hazardous substances. Public education campaigns and improved waste management are also being prioritized to combat the root causes of the crisis.
This comprehensive response reflects the seriousness of the outbreak and aims to protect vulnerable communities while improving long-term food safety standards.
