insert_link Interview Transcripts Interview: High Sugar Consumption in Baby Foods Sparks Health Alarm Photo: NAFSAN Windhoek, Namibia — The Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NAFSAN) has raised urgent concerns about the rising consumption of sugar, particularly among young children, in an interview with director Ben Schernick. The issue, he says, goes beyond individual dietary preferences and has deep public health and economic implications. “One of our biggest concerns is the high level of sugar consumption, especially among children between the ages […] today15 December, 2025
insert_link South Africa SA Government Says KwaZulu-Natal Outbreak Not Linked to School Virus S.A's Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has reassured the public that the foot and mouth disease spreading in KwaZulu-Natal does not affect humans and is unrelated to the virus impacting schools. Speaking to the media, Steenhuisen confirmed that red meat remains safe to eat but stresses the urgency of controlling the outbreak, as it threatens South Africa’s export potential, particularly in Asian markets: today22 February, 2025
insert_link South Africa South Africa Appoints 15 Experts to Address Foodborne Illnesses South Africa's ministerial advisory committee on foodborne illnesses has appointed 15 experts to develop long-term strategies to prevent outbreaks and improve food safety. Briefing the media, Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the committee’s work will focus on addressing gaps in the regulatory system and ensuring public health safety: today19 December, 2024
insert_link South Africa S.A Deputy President Urges Citizens to Own Spaza Shops South Africa's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says while the government wants to see South Africans owning most spaza shops, he cautioned against the registration of these businesses for illegal immigrants. Government has directed that all spaza shops and food handling facilities be registered by next Sunday. This comes amid a foodborne outbreak that has killed over 20 children in the country. Answering questions in the National Council of Provinces yesterday, […] today6 December, 2024
insert_link South Africa In S.A, Gauteng Health MEC to Lead Engagement on Food Safety In South Africa, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will lead a multi-stakeholder engagement in Soweto this afternoon, focused on compliance and enforcement of food safety measures. The country is currently battling a foodborne illness outbreak. Over 20 children have died in Gauteng due to suspected food poisoning linked to spaza shops. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says the MEC will also conduct inspections at local spaza shops and supermarkets to […] today26 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa In South Africa: Grade R Learner Dies After Snack Incident in Soweto S.A's Gauteng Education Department has confirmed the death of a Grade R learner from Dumezweni Primary in Diepkloof, Soweto, while three other learners were taken to hospital with similar symptoms after consuming snacks. Department spokesperson Steve Mabona says MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed condolences to the family and wished the sick learners a speedy recovery: Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane has initiated a spaza shop registration outreach across […] today22 November, 2024
insert_link Health / Medical South Africa classifies foodborne diseases as a national disaster South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre has declared a national disaster due to an increase in foodborne illnesses caused by poor food safety practices. Following 890 reported cases of foodborne illnesses, mostly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the declaration mandates a multisectoral relief plan. The country’s Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi. today21 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Consumer Commission Urges Spaza Shops to Register for Public Safety The South Africa National Consumer Commission has urged spaza shop owners to register within 21 days, as required by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu highlighted non-compliance during inspections, following food poisoning incidents that hospitalised hundreds and claimed the lives of learners. Ratshisusu emphasised to the SABC that the Consumer Protection Act prohibits the sale of unsafe goods, urging shop owners to prioritise public safety: today20 November, 2024
insert_link South Africa Education Activist Hendrick Makaneta Backs New Spaza Shop Regulations Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has praised the government’s new regulations for spaza shops, seeing them as crucial to reducing foodborne illnesses impacting learners nationwide. Hundreds of learners have been affected by food poisoning with multiple deaths recorded. Makaneta urges proactive government action to protect citizens. today11 November, 2024
