Food safety is a growing concern in South Africa, with rising cases of food poisoning putting the nation on high alert. From tainted products to improper storage, the risks have never been more pressing. This crisis not only threatens public health, but also challenges families to rethink their everyday food choices. By Laurel Pretorius
In recent months, South Africa has been shaken by a devastating outbreak of foodborne illnesses, which has left in its wake tragedy and concern. South African citizens, and more specifically parents, are wanting answers.
Since September 2024, over 890 cases of food poisoning have been reported across the country, and at least 22 children have lost their lives. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness, saying in a recent address, “Few words can adequately convey our pain as a nation. These young children weren’t just children of their families; they were our children.”
This crisis has highlighted some extremely urgent issues around food safety, pesticide misuse, and systemic challenges in public health and waste management.
In this article we unpack the food poisoning crisis, its causes, and how parents can protect their families from similar tragedies.
Where it began
The outbreak was first flagged in early September 2024 when cases of severe food poisoning surged in various provinces. The most devastating incident occurred in Naledi, Soweto, where six children—one as young as six years old—died after consuming contaminated food. Investigations revealed the presence of a highly hazardous pesticide called Terbufos in the food they ate.
Further inspections uncovered shocking conditions in some spaza shops and with street vendors where food was stored alongside illegal pesticides, detergents, and other harmful substances. These unregulated environments created a perfect storm for food contamination, which ended up endangering the health of vulnerable communities.
Who was affected?
The outbreak has had a disproportionate impact on South African children, especially those in low-income areas. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have reported the highest number of cases, with other provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Free State also recording multiple incidents.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged that poverty and systemic neglect have played a big role in the crisis. He noted that in many affected communities, poor waste management has led to rampant rat infestations, prompting residents to use dangerous pesticides like Terbufos and Aldicarb to control the problem.
He said in his address, “The poorest communities are often the worst affected, resorting to cheap, highly hazardous substances to solve problems like rat infestations.”
Here are the facts so far
It helps to know what we are dealing with. From the investigation into the food poisonings, the experts have uncovered these 4 important facts:
THE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION – The deaths in Soweto were linked to Terbufos, an organophosphate pesticide intended only for agricultural use. Despite its restrictions, the chemical is informally sold in townships as a “street pesticide” for domestic pest control. Traces of Terbufos were found on the inside and outside of a chip packet belonging to one of the children who died.
THE ROLE OF SPAZA SHOPS – Inspections revealed that some spaza shops stored pesticides near food items, lacked proper sanitation facilities, and failed to meet basic health standards.
OTHER HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS ARE BEING SOLD – In addition to Terbufos, chemicals like Aldicarb (banned in South Africa since 2016) and Galephirimi are being sold illegally. These substances pose serious health risks, even at low levels of exposure.
SYSTEMIC ISSUES – The outbreak has highlighted broader challenges, including poor waste management, insufficient municipal inspections, and a lack of public awareness about food safety.
What is being done about food contamination?
When the president addressed the nation, on 15 November, to acknowledge the disaster, he also spoke about solutions which are currently being launched by the South African government to address the crisis. Here is how the issue of food contamination will be tackled:
- Removing hazardous pesticides
Spaza shops implicated in food poisoning incidents are being shut down. Door-to-door inspections of spaza shops and street vendors have begun in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Manufacturers and distributors of Terbufos are under scrutiny to prevent the illegal sale of the pesticide for non-agricultural use.
- Strengthening food safety regulations
All spaza shops must register with their local municipalities within 21 days to continue operating.
Non-compliant businesses will face closure, and food safety regulations will be strictly enforced.
The National Consumer Commission (https://thencc.org.za) is ramping up efforts to trace, test, and regulate food plus chemical products.
- Educating communities
A nationwide public awareness campaign on food safety is being rolled out.
Schools will receive updated guidelines on managing food suppliers and preventing foodborne illnesses.
- Addressing root causes
Municipalities have been instructed to improve waste management and address rat infestations.
A R500-million fund is being established to help township and rural businesses comply with safety regulations and improve their infrastructure.
How do we protect our family members from food poisoning?
As parents and caregivers, there are proactive steps you can take to safeguard your family from ever becoming a statistic of food contamination:
- Be cautious about where you buy food
Only purchase food from licensed vendors who meet health and safety standards.
Avoid buying food from places where pesticides, detergents, or chemicals are stored nearby.
- Inspect food packaging
Check that all food packaging is undamaged, clearly labelled, and not past its expiration date.
Be wary of unbranded or suspiciously cheap food items.
- Store and handle food safely
Wash fruits, vegetables, and packaged foods thoroughly before use.
Keep perishable items refrigerated and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
- Educate your children
Teach your children to recognise safe and unsafe food practices, especially when buying snacks from tuck shops or street vendors.
Encourage them to tell you if they detect any strange taste or smell in food.
- Be mindful of pesticides at home
Only use pesticides that are registered for household use and store them out of reach of your children.
NEVER buy unregulated or repackaged chemicals from informal vendors.
- Report unsafe practices
If you encounter unsafe food handling or illegal pesticide sales, report it to the National Consumer Commission at 012 065 1940.
Moving forward as a nation
President Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to work together to prevent further tragedies, emphasising the importance of accountability and collective action. He stated, “By working together, by enforcing the law, by being alert and responsible, we will be able to bring an end to these tragedies.”
This crisis is a sobering reminder of the importance of food safety and public health. While the government is taking critical steps to address the food contamination issue, it’s up to every South African—parents, shop owners, educators, and community leaders—to play their part in protecting the nation’s most vulnerable.
You may also like
Reading Time: 2 minutesLearn about the new Duracell and EAP collaboration aimed at preventing child ingestion. Find out how they’re working together for child safety.
