South Africa declares national disaster following foodborne illness outbreak

South Africa has declared a national disaster following a severe surge in foodborne illnesses that has claimed 22 lives, including children, since September 2024.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane announced the formation of a Ministerial Advisory Committee to develop strategies for mitigating such outbreaks in the future.

Simelane urged public vigilance and accurate information sharing, emphasizing that government platforms are distributing detailed food safety guidelines. These include advice on food preparation, storage, handling, and the management of hazardous chemicals.

The crisis, marked by 890 reported cases, has spurred both public and private sector responses. The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa is spearheading a campaign promoting proper food labeling and product safety checks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined immediate actions, including stricter food inspections, mandatory shop registrations, and the classification of child fatalities under 12 as notifiable conditions. The recent deaths of six children in Soweto, traced to the illegal pesticide Terbufos, have amplified the urgency of these measures.

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that inspections in Soweto’s Naledi area detected Terbufos residues, though proving direct links to specific vendors remains challenging. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen stated that the pesticide likely entered South Africa illegally.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube reassured the public that the national school nutrition program remains unaffected but warned against industrial pesticides infiltrating schools. New protocols emphasize hygiene and safety among food handlers and distributors.

Ongoing inspections of shops, wholesalers, and food manufacturers, conducted by health practitioners and law enforcement, aim to contain the crisis within a month. Authorities are calling for public cooperation to prevent further tragedies and enhance food safety nationwide.