Snack horror: Stop using rat poison, pleads MEC

MULTI-DISCIPLANARY inspections are planned at all spaza shops across Gauteng kasis, including Naledi, Soweto.

This after six pupils died of suspected poisoning.

The purpose of these inspections is to check the level of compliance in line with health regulations and consumer protection act in the area.

This was confirmed by Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile on Sunday, 20 October.

Maile was briefing the media following the looting and closure of spaza shops owned by foreign nationals in Sharpeville and Bronkhorstspruit.

This action followed a string of cases which saw pupils being hospitalised and others losing their lives.

Among these cases are 48 pupils from Hammanskraal, Tshwane who were hospitalised after a suspected case of food poisoning, 74 Carletonville pupils in the West Rand were admitted to hospital for suspected poisoning, while 25 pupils in Bronkhorstspruit were rushed to hospital after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from street vendors outside the school.

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Maile said the illness and deaths of young kids in townships is a great concern and confirmed that they're awaiting autopsy results to gain clarity on what is making kids sick after consuming products from foreign-owned spaza shops.

He said they're also engaging health experts to determine the magnitude of the issue.

The MEC also said that investigations into last year's deaths suggested the use of a rodent substance as a potential cause of death.

"Autopsy from last year's deaths indicate that an illegal substance used for control of rodents is the likely cause of death. This substance is used by households despite being deemed illegal. Various inspections have also found it present in foreign owned spaza shops which implies a lack of proper handling.

"While we wait for a detailed report, we appeal to parents and community not to use the substance for pest control as it is extremely harmful, particularly among children," he said.

Maile has also condemned the looting and burning of products from spaza shops by residents, urging them to let the law take its course.