SOUTH AFRICA – The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety called on law enforcement to clamp down on the sale of expired food in spaza shops also called tuck shops or informal grocery stores.
In September, the Gauteng Department of Health said 207 food poisoning cases affecting children had been reported across the province since February 2024 and 10 people had died.
“The committee is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of five school children. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of bylaws to prevent the sale of expired and harmful goods,” the group said in a statement.
“This should be particularly in township areas, where many spaza shops, including those owned by illegal foreign nationals operate with little or no monitoring by metro police officers and relevant authorities.”
The committee strongly condemns the continued sale of expired and fake goods which pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the communities, especially vulnerable children.
The irresponsible behavior of some spaza shop owners who put profits above the wellbeing of the community is intolerable.
The committee said it is essential that law enforcement agencies conduct regular inspections to monitor compliance and that immediate actions are taken against those found violating these laws.
It has also called on authorities, including the Department of Health, to intensify inspections to ensure that all food products sold in spaza shops are safe and have not past their expiry dates.
In October 2023, the Gauteng Department of Health confirmed the deaths of at least five children due to suspected foodborne sources.
“The department is deeply concerned with the rising incidents of the deaths of children related to foodborne illnesses,” said Gauteng Member of the Executive Council for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The Democratic Alliance called on the Department of Community Safety to partner with municipalities in monitoring compliance with health and safety regulations across all types of businesses, including spaza shops.
The political party also urged parents and communities to protect children by reporting suspicious products or practices by spaza shops to the authorities.
