Motsoaledi rubbishes claims government not working hard enough to address spate of food poisoning cases
Throughout this month, dozens of of children across Gauteng have been hospitalised after experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps and vomiting.
FILE:The Health Minister spoke about how the South African health system will be overhauled and what health reforms will be implemented over the next few years. Picture: Reinart Toerien/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Health Minster Aaron Motsoaledi has dismissed claims that government is not adequately addressing the recent rise in suspected food poisoning cases.
During a media briefing on the sidelines of the ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg on Friday, Motsoaledi announced that officials have identified a chemical thought to be responsible for the incidents.
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Throughout this month, dozens of of children across Gauteng have been hospitalised after experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps and vomiting.
It is understood that pupils became ill after eating products they bought from street vendors and spaza shops.
Motsoaledi said that government has been actively working on determining the cause of the suspected food poisoning cases.
He said that close to 120 health inspectors have been sent to Soweto to monitor the products sold at spaza shops in townships.
"Five government entities moved in. Firstly, a group of detectives from SAPS started conducting an intelligence-driven operation. The chief directorate of environment in the department of health has also moved in to see if some of the laws pertaining to food are being obeyed."
He said that a special team has been deployed to monitor spaza shops in Johannesburg.