South Africa is grappling with a surge in foodborne illnesses, prompting the National Disaster Management Centre to classify the situation as a national disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002.
The alarming rise in cases has claimed the lives of 22 people this year — including children — and led to nearly 900 reported incidents since September 2024.
This crisis has exposed gaps in food safety regulations, municipal enforcement and public awareness, underscoring the urgent need for action.
During a media briefing in Pretoria, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, outlined the government's response to this escalating public health emergency.
From strengthening health interventions to enforcing municipal by-laws, the measures aim to curb the recurring outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. But how did South Africa get here? And what can be done to prevent future outbreaks?
Foodborne illnesses are caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, often due to bacteria, viruses, parasites or harmful chemicals.
Symptoms range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to life-threatening complications, particularly in children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The recent outbreak in South Africa has been linked to multiple factors, including poor food hygiene practices, insufficient waste management and rat infestations.
Rural and township communities, where informal food vendors and overcrowded living conditions are common, are particularly vulnerable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne illnesses are a global concern, with an estimated 600 million cases and 420,000 deaths annually.
However, the situation in South Africa is especially dire. The 22 deaths and 890 reported cases over just three months highlight systemic issues in food safety and public health infrastructure.
Standardising municipal by-laws: To address the root causes of foodborne illnesses, the government is expediting the implementation of standard by-laws for rural and township economies. These by-laws focus on:
Proper waste disposal: Ensuring that businesses adhere to strict waste management protocols to reduce food contamination risks.
Recycling practices: Encouraging environmentally friendly practices to prevent pollution and obstructions in shared spaces.
Rat control: Tackling rodent infestations, are a major contributor to food contamination. This includes curbing the use of dangerous and banned chemicals like unregulated pesticides.
Minister Simelane urged municipalities that have not yet adopted these by-laws to do so urgently, stressing that compliance is essential to saving lives.
Strengthening health regulations
The Department of Health is taking significant steps to improve the monitoring and prevention of foodborne illnesses.
One key intervention is the amendment of the Notifiable Medical Conditions Regulations, which will make the death of any child aged 12 or younger a notifiable condition.
This will enable real-time tracking of cases and help authorities understand the burden of disease more accurately.
Additionally, a Ministerial Advisory Committee is being established to develop medium- to long-term prevention strategies. This expert panel will focus on:
- Identifying high-risk populations.
- Proposing targeted health interventions.
- Recommending policy changes to improve food safety standards.
Addressing resource shortages
South Africa faces a critical shortage of environmental health inspectors, who play a vital role in monitoring food safety and enforcing hygiene standards.
Simelane assured citizens that this issue is being addressed as a priority. Efforts are underway to capacitate all districts and metropolitan municipalities, ensuring regular inspections and swift enforcement of regulations.
Why food safety matters
The recent spate of foodborne illnesses is not just a public health issue — it’s a social and economic crisis. Foodborne diseases disproportionately affect low-income communities, where access to clean water, proper sanitation, and safe food storage is limited.
This deepens existing inequalities and places additional strain on the healthcare system.
Children are particularly at risk. According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), malnutrition and food insecurity, common in underprivileged areas, amplify the impact of foodborne illnesses, leading to higher mortality rates among children.
Declaring the current situation as a national disaster is a critical step in mobilising resources and raising awareness.
How individuals can protect themselves: While government action is crucial, individuals also play a role in preventing foodborne illnesses. Here are some practical tips:
Practice proper food hygiene
Wash hands, utensils and surfaces thoroughly before preparing food. Cook meat and poultry to safe internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce.
Store food safely
Refrigerate perishable items promptly. Discard expired or spoiled food to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Be cautious when buying food. Purchase food from reputable vendors with good hygiene practices.
Inspect food packaging for signs of damage or contamination.
Report unsafe practices
Notify local authorities if you encounter unhygienic food preparation or storage practices in your community.