There are increasing calls for the government, retailers, and consumers to collaborate on strengthening food safety measures following the tragic deaths of three children in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, in a suspected food poisoning incident.
The two one-year-olds and a four-year-old died last week after consuming porridge purchased from a Spar store in the area. In response, the retail giant has issued a nationwide recall of Top Score Vanilla-flavoured Instant Maize Porridge, which is produced in Namibia, and removed the product from all its shelves.
Namib Mills, the manufacturer, has launched an investigation into the matter.
This incident comes just weeks after Checkers and certain OK Foods stores voluntarily recalled specific Deli hummus products due to bacterial contamination.
Zama Ntshona, a representative of the African Transformation Movement, highlighted the severity of the issue, pointing out flaws in the current food safety systems.
"We, as a society, must come together and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future," Ntshona said. "We are deeply concerned about the effectiveness of our food safety regulations and the accountability of major retailers. It is truly unacceptable that these brands neglect basic health standards, jeopardising public health and eroding community trust."
The deaths have reignited public concern over food safety, prompting calls for stricter regulations and greater oversight to prevent similar tragedies.