The Department of Health says a chemical agent is behind the spate of suspected food poisoning incidents that have claimed several children’s lives, especially in Soweto, Gauteng . Recently, six minors were rushed to hospital in critical condition after allegedly consuming various snacks from local spaza shops . Additionally, multiple suspected food poisoning incidents were reported in schools across the country.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REVEALS CAUSE OF FOOD POISONING INCIDENTS The Department of Health said those affected have concluded that these ailments result from food poisoning, particularly snacks sold by foreign-owned spaza shops. This has become the generally held view in the country, which prompted some people to take action based on this belief and understanding. The department said these increasing incidents in black communities have led to an unfortunate and unsubstantiated perception that authorities are paying no heed to this crisis and seem not to care about what’s happening to the citizens.
Contrary to these beliefs and perceptions, South African Police Service (SAPS) detectives have been working around the clock to try to unravel this mystery, especially where children have died. Additionally, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni municipalities have also deployed their environmental inspectors to investigate the cause of these sudden attacks. Various bodies, including the National Consumer Commission (NCC) have also sent out their officials to investigate possible br.