1 in 19 spaza shops 'violate' safety laws

The Gauteng government finds an average of 270 noncompliant food establishments a month, the provincial legislature has heard.

- Jarryd Westerdale

Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed this figure in a written response to a question by the DA.

As well as the number of noncompliant outlets, the MEC listed food poisoning and fatality figures – and the department's actions to address the issue.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Friday that a firmer hand will be used to deal with noncompliance.

However, a pattern had already been established.

Gauteng has seen 423 food poisoning cases involving children 14 years old and younger since 2020, with 2023's 152 cases being higher than the previous three years combined.

This year, cases are still higher, with the numbers rising to 165 so far.