Rattex found in food after child deaths due to food poisoning
Traces of organophosphate and Rattex have been found in food after recent poisoning fatalities.
Picture: Denitsa Kireva via pexels
John Perlman speaks with Dr Joanne Bruins, a Specialist Physician at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
Listen below.
Gauteng has seen a spike in food poisoning cases this year.
Children in townships, informal settlements and hostels have been worst affected.
ALSO READ:
Concern over 'massive increase' in food allergies
These unsafe food habits kill over 400K people a year. Are you practicing them?
Since February, 207 food poisoning cases in children and 10 deaths have been reported.
An investigation found traces of organophosphate and Rattex in some food items.
Bruins says there has been a steady increase in these poisoning cases over the last few years.
“It is just a tidal wave that keeps on coming and has no signs of slowing down.”
- Dr Joanne Bruins, Specialist Physician - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
When these products are legally obtained, they are well packaged and have warnings.
However, these can be bought illegally very easily, with no warnings, at a very low cost.
“The legal platform is very well regulated, but unfortunately turning the tide on the illegal platform is very difficult.”
- Dr Joanne Bruins, Specialist Physician - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.