Cape Town – Gauteng’s Finance MEC, Lebogang Maile, has urged immediate action and the possible declaration of a state of emergency due to a recent increase in foodborne illnesses in the province.
Maile said he planned to propose this approach to the provincial executive council, The Citizen reported.
“The president might have to declare this a state of emergency. We need drastic measures, not just words or reactions after incidents like this,” the report quoted Maile as saying.
He added: “Council must take responsibility and show a keen interest in this issue. They need to discuss inspection frequencies, locations, and the number of spaza shops in townships. Municipalities have a role to play.”
Maile expressed these sentiments during a visit to the family of 10-year-old Lesedi Maaboyi, who tragically passed away over the weekend due to suspected food poisoning.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Health Department said it was alarmed by the increase in suspected food poisoning cases, especially among children.
The department said it was collaborating with stakeholders to raise awareness in townships and informal settlements.
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba emphasised the importance of buying food from legitimate vendors, checking expiration dates, and reporting non-compliance to authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.
MEDIA STATEMENT || MOTHER AND SON RECOVERING IN HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SUSPECTED FOOD-BORNE ILLNESSES pic.twitter.com/7oRtRJxkF2
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) November 3, 2024
“It’s important to purchase food from reputable sellers with valid permits to operate. Check expiration dates and avoid consuming expired products. Ensure that food packaging is intact and has not been tampered with.
“For shops to adhere to the conditions of their permits which include compliance with environmental health regulations and maintaining hygiene standards. We also appeal to the public not to take the law into their own hands but to rather notify the relevant authorities where they pick up non-compliance issues,” said Modiba.
Picture: Pixabay
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
