Labour lawyer Michael Bagraim has called on the government to step up food safety oversight in spaza shops after several recent incidents of suspected food poisoning. Numerous cases have emerged across the country, with six children tragically dying in Soweto last month and dozens more hospitalized, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Bagraim emphasized the urgent need for improved health and safety regulations within South Africa's informal trading sector. "Inspectors are spending too much time on issues like employment equity rather than focusing on food quality and health standards," he said. "A message must be sent to the Department of Employment and Labour to prioritize inspections that directly impact public safety."
The call for action comes amid growing concerns over food quality standards in local shops, especially those serving vulnerable communities.