Gauteng Urges Action Against Sale of Expired Food Following Tragic Deaths of Children

In a recent report, the Gauteng Health Department revealed alarming statistics, citing 207 cases of food poisoning affecting children since February 2024, with at least 10 fatalities.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called for immediate action from law enforcement agencies to combat the sale of expired food products in local spaza shops. This plea comes in response to a devastating incident where five children lost their lives due to food poisoning linked to contaminated food from a spaza shop.

In a recent report, the Gauteng Health Department revealed alarming statistics, citing 207 cases of food poisoning affecting children since February 2024, with at least 10 fatalities. The committee expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, emphasizing the critical need for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent the sale of harmful goods, particularly in township areas where spaza shops often operate with minimal oversight.

“The committee strongly condemns the ongoing sale of expired and counterfeit goods that threaten the health of our communities, especially vulnerable children,” stated the committee in an official statement. “The reckless actions of some spaza shop owners, prioritizing profit over community well-being, are utterly unacceptable.”

The committee has called on the Department of Health to implement immediate measures to avert further tragedies and urged municipal Metro Police Departments to rigorously enforce relevant bylaws. They emphasized the importance of regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, particularly regarding consumable goods.

Furthermore, the committee plans to engage with various stakeholders to address the rising number of food poisonings. “We are alarmed that ongoing fatalities may be attributed to law enforcement's failure to conduct regular inspections and enforce compliance among spaza shops,” the committee noted, highlighting the risks posed to public health and safety due to insufficient monitoring.

The committee is encouraging community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sales of expired or counterfeit goods. “Together, we must protect our communities, especially our children, from these senseless tragedies,” they urged.

In conclusion, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety is committed to working collaboratively with relevant authorities to ensure swift and decisive action is taken to safeguard the health and well-being of the people of Gauteng. The committee reiterated its dedication to fostering a safe environment for all residents, particularly the most vulnerable.