The upsurge in small “spaza” (informal) stores in urban and rural townships in South Africa have become a source of food contamination due to poor handling practices and improper storage of ingredients.  The problem was highlighted by the deaths of 22 children from organophosphate poisoning.  Terbufos™ only registered for agricultural use is inappropriately and illegally applied as a home rodenticide and pesticide and is sold alongside food in non-regulated “spaza” stores. 

Investigation of the causes of peracute mortality among children disclosed gross violations in food handling.  Regulations have been introduced to enforce registration of stores selling food.  Irrespective of municipal ordinances on traceability, repackaging and storage of food, detergents and pesticides it will be difficult to enforce regulations given the lack of resources inherent to all aspects of governments in the Republic of South Africa. 

Despite exhortations from President Cyril Ramaphosa, good intentions do not trickle down to shanty towns where there is little or no rule of law.  During the fourth quarter of 2024, approximately 900 food-related incidents involving contamination and infection have been recorded, with the documented cases possibly only the tip of the iceberg.