Thabo Bodibe
The Gauteng Provincial Government has committed to combatting the rising threat of food poisoning and eliminating illegal spaza shops in township areas.
Acting Premier Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, accompanied by MEC for Finance Lebogang Maile, visited families of learners who passed away, as well as survivors of suspected food poisoning in Katlehong on Tuesday, 05 November 2024.
Acting Premier Kedibone Diale-Tlabela addressed the media and outlined the province’s plans and challenges.
She urged parents to discourage children from purchasing unregulated snacks, citing the health risks they pose.
“We call on South Africans who have outsourced their facilities, such as garages and homes, as well as those who run spaza shops, to be aware of what is being sold in those facilities.
“Communities are encouraged to take proactive measures to educate children about food safety and empower them to make informed choices. Vendors, food producers, and consumers are urged to adhere to strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage, thorough cooking, and maintaining clean preparation areas,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela said government is using every resource available to maintain law and order and ensure that these spaza shops and other retail shops in our communities are run properly.
MEC Maile echoed her concerns and called on the national government to declare the situation a disaster, emphasising the need for urgent and drastic measures.
“It’s getting out of hand, and we must do something drastic. Vendors, food producers, and consumers are urged to adhere to strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage, thorough cooking, and maintaining clean preparation areas.”
The provincial government advised residents to seek medical assistance if they experience symptoms such as vomiting, sudden chest pains, body aches, fever, or foam in the mouth.
In addition to tackling food safety, the provincial government has prioritised vendor and spaza shop compliance, urging the public to report any suspected illegal use, trade, marketing, or manufacturing of hazardous chemicals to the nearest police station.
Government has restricted hazardous chemicals like Terbufos, limiting their use to trained, registered applicators. Those found in possession of banned pesticides, including Terbufos and aldicarb, will face arrest and criminal charges.
Residents are also encouraged to use only registered pesticides to control pests such as rats and cockroaches, as the misuse of hazardous pesticides poses severe health risks.
The Gauteng Government continues to urge the community to educate children about food safety and report any illegal chemical activities to law enforcement authorities.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
