SA bans toxic rodenticide Terbufos after children's deaths

THE Cabinet has, with immediate effect, banned the import of the toxic chemical rodenticide Terbufos, commonly referred to as "halephirimi," following its alleged link to the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, last year.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday.

She said the ban aims to prevent future public health crises related to food contamination.

The decision comes after the Cabinet reviewed a report from the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Food-Borne Illnesses, which focused on the use of organophosphate pesticides in South Africa.

The IMC was advised by the Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) on food-borne illnesses, appointed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

"The MAC, which comprises health experts from multiple disciplines, found that Terbufos, a highly hazardous chemical, was the likely cause of the children's deaths," Ntshavheni said.

While the exact circumstances of exposure remain unclear, officials believe the children may have consumed food contaminated with the chemical, allegedly purchased from a local spaza shop.