By Simon Nare
An intensive investigation is underway to establish the origin of a chemical that is responsible for food contamination and killed people, mainly learners, across the country, according Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshabvheni.
She told a post-Cabinet briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday that health officials concluded that Terbufos, a highly toxic pesticide had claimed the lives of six children in Naledi, Soweto. They had bought chips from a spaza shop.
“Government assures South Africans that our health authorities are thoroughly investigating this and other cases involving the deaths of young people as a result of suspected food poisoning. Anyone found responsible will be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said the minister.
Gauteng banned the unauthorised sale of Terbufos over the weekend.
She added that Cabinet was briefed on the foodborne illnesses and fatalities recorded in various areas of the country.
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