South Africa has declared a national disaster following a spate of food poisoning that has claimed the lives of at least 22 children and sickened hundreds more nationwide, Bloomberg reports.
The outbreak has been linked to contaminated food purchased from small convenience stores, known locally as “spaza shops,” primarily located in townships. Tests have revealed traces of insecticide chemicals in some of the affected food products.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a nationwide plan last week to remove these harmful pesticides from the streets and shops. He mandated that all spaza shops and other food-handling facilities register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. This initiative aims to improve food safety regulations and oversight.
However, the tragedy has been overshadowed by a surge of unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media linking the contaminated food to shops owned by immigrants. This has sparked serious concerns about a potential resurgence of xenophobic violence, a recurring problem in South Africa. Authorities are working to quell the spread of misinformation and prevent any escalation of violence targeting foreign-owned businesses.
The government’s response includes not only the registration drive but also a commitment to investigating the source of the contaminated food and ensuring the swift prosecution of those responsible. The health ministry is coordinating a massive public health campaign to educate citizens on food safety and encourage responsible consumption.
