SAHRC lobbies Parliament for immediate ban on harmful pesticides, including Terbufos
Terbufos has been linked to the deaths of some children following a string of food contamination cases in parts of the country.
Black granules purchased in Tembisa that were sent for testing came back positive for Terbufos. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has lobbied parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture to urge an immediate ban on harmful pesticides, including Terbufos.
Terbufos has been linked to the deaths of some children following a string of food contamination cases in parts of the country.
Six children from Naledi in Soweto were among the first of 23 who died last year after ingesting food believed to be contaminated by the highly toxic agrochemical.
READ: Less than 1g to kill, and 1 minute to purchase: A deep dive into toxic ‘street pesticide’ terbufos
The spate of food poisoning cases last year sparked national outrage over the handling of pesticides and the lack of regulation on dangerous and sometimes deadly chemicals.
Although fewer cases have since been reported the Human Rights Commission says government cannot sweep the matter under the rug.
The chapter 9 institution recently met with the portfolio committee on agriculture, and minister John Steenhuisen in a bid to pile pressure on lawmakers to ban harmful pesticides.
“The commission advocated for the adoption of regenerative agriculture, and stronger government action to protect public health," said HRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi.
Turbefos is outlawed in the EU but legally registered for agricultural use in South Africa.