South Africa Declares Food-Borne Illnesses A 'National Disaster'
by Argus News
Fri, Nov 22 | 12:08 p.m.

Johannesburg, Nov 22: South Africa has declared food-borne illnesses a national disaster following a recent surge in food poisoning cases that left dozens of children dead and hundreds hospitalised. 

Thembi Simelane, minister of justice and constitutional development, made the announcement on Thursday at a press conference held in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement followed reports of nearly 900 cases of food-borne illnesses across all provinces in the country since September, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces being the most affected. At least 22 children have died, prompting urgent measures.

"Organs of state, the private sector, and communities should adhere to food safety legislation, standards and procedures, and individuals should comply with applicable business registration legislation, standards and procedures," Simelane said, calling on the public to stay alert.

The government has required tuck shops to re-register their entities and urged local authorities to comply with the disaster management declaration.

"Implementing the standard by-laws for rural and township economies advocates for mandatory proper waste disposal and recycling practices. It also goes a long way in dealing with the issue of rat infestations, which gives rise to the harmful use of dangerous and banned chemicals like pesticides," Simelane said.

She said the government is working to tackle the shortage of inspectors who will enforce compliance by tuck shops, adding that law enforcement agents are on the ground to inspect the shops, with some shop owners arrested for selling expired food including counterfeit goods.

--IANS
Read More International News

MAHARASHTRA POLITICS
30m ago
"Unprecedented Victory...No Dispute On CM Face": Devendra Fadnavis On Maharashtra Results
Mumbai, Nov 23: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that people of Maharashtra have given Mahayuti an "unprecedented
JHARKHAND POLLS
Hemant Soren Poised To Form Govt In Jharkhand For Second Time
Ranchi, Nov 23: Jharkhand's ruling alliance, comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the CPI-ML, led
LAS VEGAS GP F1
Formula 1: Russell Pips Sainz To Take Pole In Las Vegas GP
Las Vegas, Nov 23: Mercedes driver George Russell delivered a stunning performance to claim pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, narrowly beating
STOCK MARKET
With State Elections Over, Indian Stock Market Heads For Stability
Mumbai, Nov 23: Most of the state elections are now over, and the market may find stability as government spending will improve in the coming months to meet
PADDY FROM FARMERS
Food Supplies Minister Warns Mill Owners, Says They Can't Buy Paddy Directly From Farmers
Bhubaneswar, Nov 23: Odisha Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has warned the mill owners over their purchase of paddy from farmers. "Mill