Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says 441 cases of food poisoning have been recorded across the province, with 32 fatalities.
This has prompted the premier to announce new by-laws to regulate spaza shops.
These measures aim to improve food safety standards across the province.
ANC Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Cde Panyaza Lesufi speaking about food poisoning deaths from spaza shops at the meeting with Municipalities on the implementation of by-laws governing spaza shops.#LetsDoMoreTogether
⚫️🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/ruTv1PdSvm— Gauteng ANC (@GautengANC) November 10, 2024
Police will conduct random raids to ensure compliance with health standards.
Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, Lesufi said: “We’ve got 441 cases that have been reported across the province. Some of the people either were discharged, or they just showed the symptoms of vomiting, stomach aches, and related issues.
ANC Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Cde Panyaza Lesufi speaking about measures that will be taken to counter the issue of spaza shops and food poisonings.#LetsDoMoreTogether
⚫️🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/G0VURHtwKc— Gauteng ANC (@GautengANC) November 10, 2024
So, we have got 441 cases that have been followed up by the Department of Health, and among them, we have 23 that have passed on.”
The by-laws, aimed at preventing unsafe food practices, will be enforced by all municipalities, he said.
The province hopes these measures will curb the crisis and protect public health, especially children.
Gauteng police are set to begin seizing non-compliant stock in an effort to identify the contamination sources.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has revealed that 23 children have passed away after consuming food bought from school vendors and spaza shops in various locations within the Gauteng province.
A total of 441 cases have been reported. pic.twitter.com/HLRfmcwqyb
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) November 10, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
