Contamination of food products at spaza shops

Agriculture

28 January 2025
Chairperson: Ms D Pule (ANC)
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Meeting Summary

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The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture met virtually to discuss food safety concerns related to organophosphate contamination in food products from spaza shops. The Minister had been scheduled to report on the investigation into the source of organophosphates, which had resulted in multiple fatalities in Gauteng and the Free State, but due to his absence, the presentation of the report was rescheduled to the Committee's next meeting.

To support the Committee’s engagement on food safety, the Chairperson welcomed Prof Lise Korsten, an expert in plant health and food safety from the University of Pretoria. Prof Korsten presented on the risks associated with food contamination, particularly in the informal sector, and proposed regulatory interventions, including the establishment of a national Food Safety Authority.

Members raised concerns about irrigation water quality, the regulation of informal food markets, and the broader implications of unregulated food sales. The discussion highlighted the need for increased oversight, enhanced consumer education, and improved coordination between government departments to address food safety challenges.

The Chairperson concluded by confirming that the Committee would continue its oversight on the matter, particularly in its upcoming engagement with the Minister and the Department of Agriculture scheduled for 4 February.

Meeting report

Opening remarks

The Chairperson acknowledged the presence of representatives from the Department of Agriculture. She emphasised the importance of starting the year well to maintain a positive trajectory in their work. She requested the Committee Secretary, Ms Albertina Kakaza, to confirm the attendance of Members and whether the Committee had been properly constituted.

Ms Kakaza confirmed that a quorum had been achieved, listing the Members present. Two apologies had been received -- one from the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, who had a prior engagement with international stakeholders in Pretoria, and the other from the Deputy Minister, Ms Rosemary Capa, who was preparing for a Cabinet Lekgotla meeting.

The Chairperson then proceeded to outline the agenda for the day.

Minister’s report and rescheduling

The Chairperson referred to the Minister's earlier mention of an investigation into the source of organophosphates in food products from spaza shops, which had resulted in several deaths, primarily in Gauteng and the Free State. She reminded the Committee that the Minister had committed to providing a detailed report on the investigation. However, only a brief update has been received. She said the Minister was scheduled to report on the investigation at this meeting, but he had sent his apologies due to prior commitments with international stakeholders. She proposed rescheduling the Minister’s report for the next meeting, scheduled for 4 February.

Contamination of food products from spaza shops

She highlighted that a Member had previously suggested inviting an expert to provide input on the issue. The expert had responded, clarifying that, as a physician treating patients affected by organophosphates, he was not an agricultural expert. He had expressed concerns about the increasing number of patients exposed to organophosphates and the significant levels of exposure that had led to several deaths. He had also indicated that an investigation into the matter was necessary, but stated that he did not have the expertise required to assist the Committee in overseeing pesticide regulations.

Expert input on food safety

The Chairperson explained that this Portfolio Committee oversees the Ministry and the Department of Agriculture, and plays a crucial role in regulating the sale and use of agricultural products, including their impact on food safety. To support the Committee’s work, Prof Lise Korsten, a leading expert in food safety and regulatory control, has been invited to present. Prof Korsten, a professor in plant health and food safety at the University of Pretoria, also served as the President of the Africa Academy of Science and was a co-director of the Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation (DSI-NRF) Centre of Excellence in Food Security. The Chairperson expressed confidence that Prof Korsten’s presentation would greatly assist the Committee in its engagement with the Minister and the Department on the issue.

Mr Trollip’s request and agenda item

The Chairperson acknowledged a request from Mr A Trollip (Action SA) to add an agenda item regarding a visit with the Director-General. She suggested that, following Prof Korsten’s presentation, Mr Trollip be given the opportunity to introduce the matter for discussion. She proposed that, if necessary, the full presentation on the matter could be scheduled for the next meeting, when the Minister or senior departmental leadership would be present.

Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAPs) issue and Departmental response

Mr Trollip had also raised the issue of the Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAPs), which had previously sent letters to the Committee. The Chairperson reminded Members that the Committee had requested a briefing from the Department regarding this matter. It had presented a report in response, and Members had been informed that the Department had been given three months to address the issues raised. As the Department’s response was due by March 2025, the Chairperson advised Members that any further points regarding the AAPs could be raised during the current meeting, and she assured the Committee that the Department would respond within the allotted timeframe.

The Chairperson concluded by summarising the meeting agenda, with the presentation by Prof Korsten as the main item for discussion. She invited Members to comment, noting that they should raise their hands if they wished to contribute.

Discussion

Mr M Montwedi (EFF) suggested that the meeting should focus on the pressing issues at hand. He acknowledged the importance of the issues raised by the two Members, but emphasised the necessity of following proper procedures. He requested that any urgent matters be processed through the appropriate channels.

The Chairperson indicated that she would address the matter in due course. She acknowledged that Mr Trollip had requested a review of the agenda item and confirmed that this had been communicated to him through the administration. She suggested that they proceed as planned.

Mr A Mngxitama (MK) affirmed his support for the process suggested by Mr Montwedi, noting that the issues raised should be processed accordingly and addressed at the next meeting.

The Chairperson expressed concern about Mr Trollip's connectivity issues. She noted that he was still on the platform, but appeared to be experiencing difficulties with network reception. She indicated that he would likely resolve the issue and rejoin the meeting.

The Chairperson then turned to the agenda, confirming that they would proceed with the proposed and prepared items. She welcomed Prof Lise Korsten, who was present to assist the Committee in understanding the issue of organophosphates in food safety. The request for Prof Korsten’s input had been made in light of concerns regarding organophosphates in pesticides, which had led to the deaths of young children. The Chairperson emphasised the value of Prof Korsten’s presentation in aiding the Committee’s understanding of food security issues. The Committee would be meeting with the Minister and Deputy Minister next week, and hoped that Prof Korsten’s expertise would enhance the discussions and investigations related to food safety.

The right to safe, nutritious food for all

Prof Lise Korsten, Academic Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety, University of Pretoria, began her address by expressing optimism for 2025, referring to it as a year full of promise. She referred to her recent experience in Davos, Switzerland, which marked her first time attending the event. She spoke highly of South Africa's representation, noting the pride she felt in President Cyril Ramaphosa and the eight ministers accompanying him. She emphasised the importance of South Africa having a voice on global platforms, which she believed would lay a strong foundation for future progress.

Food security and the right to food

Prof Korsten highlighted food security as a critical issue, referencing the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO's) definition, which includes access, availability, nutritional value, affordability, and stability over time. She stressed the need for food to be safe in order to be considered food, stating that this was a globally accepted view. She underscored the importance of social justice in addressing food security, citing statistics that showed significant hunger and food insecurity within South Africa. She also noted that certain groups, such as women, children, and rural populations, were disproportionately affected by hunger, exacerbating the situation.

Dual food system -- formal vs informal

Prof Korsten discussed the dualistic nature of South Africa's food system, distinguishing between the formal and informal sectors. She explained that the formal sector was highly regulated, with entities like commercial farmers, processors, and retailers adhering to international standards, though irrigation water and waste management remained challenging. On the other hand, the informal sector, consisting of small-scale farmers and street vendors, faced significant food safety risks due to a lack of regulation, inadequate water sources, poor hygiene, and improper pesticide use.

Challenges in the informal sector

Prof Korsten emphasised that the informal sector faces numerous challenges, including contaminated irrigation water, inadequate waste management, and improper pesticide use. She called for better education and training for small-scale farmers and vendors, as well as improved access to clean water and sanitation.

She described recent food safety incidents, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where chemicals such as Terbufos and Aldicarb were found in repackaged snacks sold at spaza shops, leading to several food poisoning cases and fatalities. She commented that the government had responded by closing the implicated shops and increasing inspections.

Proposed Solutions

Prof Korsten proposed several solutions to address these food safety challenges, including establishing a National Food Safety Authority, investment in training and capacity development, and creating open data platforms to facilitate the sharing of food safety information.

She highlighted the global nature of food safety challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. She mentioned the Food Safety for Africa initiative and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create open knowledge platforms.

In conclusion, Prof Korsten shared key messages, advocating the prioritisation of water quality, sustainability, consumer awareness, and traceability in the food system.

[See attached for full presentation]

Discussion

Irrigation Water Quality

Mr Montwedi welcomed the detailed presentation and raised concerns regarding the quality of irrigation water. He agreed with Prof Korsten’s assessment that some irrigation water was not fit for use, stating that he had engaged with farmers who had reported high acidity levels in the water, which negatively impacted crops. He clarified that the issue was not limited to rain-harvested water, but also included water supplied by water boards regulated by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). He asked whether Prof Korsten had engaged the Department or any other relevant authority on this matter and what feedback had been received. He further inquired whether the findings on irrigation water quality had been shared with the Department of Agriculture, given the critical role of irrigation boards in supporting the sector. He sought clarification on whether this was a national concern or limited to certain areas, and asked for recommendations on how the issue could be addressed.

Incorporating agriculture into the school curriculum

Mr Montwedi referred to the proposal that handling chemicals should be included in the school curriculum, and questioned why agriculture as a subject was not being proposed instead. He suggested that incorporating agriculture into the curriculum would provide a broader framework for chemical handling education, highlighting the importance of agricultural literacy.

Health and safety of farm workers

He then raised concerns regarding health and safety on farms, recalling oversight visits by the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture during the sixth Parliament. He said that some farmers had denied the Committee access to farms, which suggested that conditions were worse than reported. He agreed that the living and working conditions of farm workers and farm dwellers required urgent intervention, and asked how Parliament could address these issues effectively through legislation.

Government’s role in addressing food and product safety

Mr Montwedi requested Prof Korsten to provide an assessment of government’s role in addressing food and product safety challenges. He expressed concern over the proliferation of counterfeit goods, including fake alcohol and cigarettes, which were often found in rural areas and township spaza shops, but not in formal retail stores. He questioned whether the government was doing enough to curb this problem, commenting that it posed a risk to public health and resulted in lost revenue for the country.

Water quality crisis

Mr Trollip emphasised that water quality in South Africa was a national crisis, highlighting that most watercourses were contaminated with sewage due to dysfunctional water treatment plants. He said that large commercial enterprises, such as poultry, piggery, and dairy operations, also contributed to water pollution, which compromised agricultural food production. He cautioned that failure to address this issue could impact exports, as compliance with GlobalG.A.P standards and European trade regulations was becoming increasingly stringent. A few cases of E. coli contamination could result in bans on South African perishable exports.

He further raised concerns that local food production remained unregulated and required stronger oversight. While regulatory compliance for exports was essential, he acknowledged that the cost was prohibitively high, as it required stringent record-keeping, training of chemical handlers, and proper disposal of chemical containers. He warned that many took shortcuts to reduce costs, which ultimately compromised food quality.

Regulation of decanted food products

Mr Trollip called for greater legislative oversight on decanting food products, particularly in informal markets. He explained that consumers in poor communities, who could not afford large quantities of essential goods such as flour or sugar, often purchased smaller amounts that had been repackaged. He warned that this practice not only increased the risk of contamination, but also led to significant price exploitation, as smaller portions were often sold at disproportionately higher prices. He suggested that regulating this process could help mitigate these risks.

Use of AI in agriculture

He acknowledged the benefits of artificial intelligence as a tool for agricultural support, but stressed that without adequate technical and advisory assistance, AI could lead to the improper use of chemicals, exacerbating food safety risks. He reiterated the need for trained extension officers and technical support personnel in both commercial and informal food production sectors. He urged the Committee to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Food safety and regulatory framework

Mr Mngxitama raised concerns about the recent food poisoning crisis linked to spaza shops, questioning why contamination appeared to be concentrated in these outlets and not in larger retail chains. He suggested that this issue required thorough investigation to determine how these chemicals entered the food supply chain and whether there was a larger underlying issue. He noted that previous reports had hinted at a potential conspiracy, particularly in relation to the highly competitive R2 billion spaza shop industry.

He welcomed the proposal for an independent food safety authority but stressed that such an entity should not include industry representatives. He argued that self-regulation within the industry had contributed to the current food safety challenges.

Ms S Lucas (ANC) highlighted concerns regarding the regulatory framework, particularly in relation to informal traders and spaza shops. She emphasised the need for greater coordination between local government and other regulatory bodies to ensure a controlled environment for food safety. She suggested that issues of water contamination and food transportation needed to be addressed holistically to establish a safer distribution network.

She sought clarity from Prof Korsten on the progress made in strengthening the regulatory environment, particularly in light of past challenges. She stressed the importance of balancing food security with food safety measures.

Consumer awareness and food education

Ms Lucas underscored the need for greater consumer awareness regarding food safety. She observed that in South Africa, complaints about food quality were often met with defensive responses rather than constructive engagement. She called for a coordinated effort across multiple departments to promote food safety education and consumer responsibility.

She also raised concerns about the availability of unhealthy, chemically coloured snacks sold outside schools. Due to financial constraints, previous generations had consumed fresh fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, but societal habits had shifted towards artificial products. She urged efforts to reintroduce healthier food options and educate consumers on the benefits of fresh produce. She concluded by calling for strategies to reintegrate traditional, nutritious food choices into communities to promote long-term food safety and health.

The Chairperson addressed the concerns raised by Members, particularly regarding the comments and an article attributed to an expert. She reiterated that the Committee had already engaged with an expert on the matter, and clarified that Prof Korsten need not respond to this issue. She said that during the Committee’s previous interaction with the expert, he had merely called for an investigation into the source of pesticides and how they had entered the food supply in such quantities that they had resulted in fatalities, including among young children.

She reminded Members that an investigation into the matter had already been initiated and that the Minister had committed to providing a report on the findings from the Department and other relevant institutions. She therefore requested that the discussion not dwell further on this matter.

The Chairperson also highlighted concerns regarding the regulation and inspection of informal shops, particularly those in villages and townships, which were often not subject to regular oversight. She acknowledged that Prof Korsten had already addressed the broader issue of food safety, including informal food trade, in her presentation. She invited Prof Korsten to respond to the other issues raised by Members.

Prof Korsten's response

Prof Korsten elaborated on the concept of fit-for-purpose irrigation water, stating that the Water Research Commission (WRC) had funded her research group for the past decade to conduct extensive studies on water quality. The research included an assessment of roof-harvested rainwater, which revealed the presence of E. coli linked to bird droppings. Based on these findings, best practice guidelines had been developed, such as removing overhanging branches and installing filters. The study also recommended the use of flush diverters at the start of the rainy season to prevent contamination from accumulated dust and particles. While electronic and hard copies of the report were available, she acknowledged that it had not been widely shared with the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Water and Sanitation, which she regarded as an oversight. She committed to engaging with the WRC to address this gap.

On the issue of river water used for irrigation, she outlined research conducted on several rivers, including the Crocodile and Olifants Rivers. Her team collaborated with scientists in the Cape during cholera outbreaks and used source-tracking technology to trace the origins of contamination. This enabled them to provide timely reports to the WRC. She emphasised the need for a proactive response system akin to fire services—one that could immediately mobilise resources and expertise in the event of a crisis. A current project focused on surveillance of multiple rivers across the country, specifically monitoring waterborne and foodborne pathogens, as well as antimicrobial resistance. Other colleagues were investigating chemical contaminants. Previous research has already demonstrated that endocrine disruptors from agricultural pesticides could accumulate in food products. She argued that ensuring water quality was a national imperative and proposed that an indaba be convened to coordinate efforts among government departments and stakeholders.

She highlighted the importance of incorporating chemical safety education into school curricula, beginning with basic awareness in primary school and advancing to more detailed instruction in high school. She said that many household chemical-related accidents resulted from improper storage and labelling. Similar safety awareness was needed among farmworkers, particularly in medium-sized farms that were not subject to the stringent inspections imposed on large-scale exporters. While large commercial farms were often audited multiple times and held to high standards, she expressed concern that compliance among smaller farms remained inconsistent. She suggested scaling down best practices to ensure that all farms adhered to appropriate hygiene and safety standards.

Prof Korsten also spoke about food security and consumer awareness, stating that food appreciation needed to be restored. She said that traditional knowledge of food preparation and preservation had been lost, leading to unhealthy dietary habits. Drawing on an example from China, she described how local food traditions in that country were being documented and incorporated into training material. She suggested that a similar approach be adopted in South Africa, with universities playing a role in preserving indigenous food knowledge. Research has increasingly linked poor diet to non-communicable diseases, including dementia and obesity, reinforcing the need for a national shift in food culture.

She raised concerns about counterfeit food products, particularly baby formula sold in small, unregulated packets. Studies have found contaminants such as soap powder in such products. She proposed the creation of an app for reporting substandard food, and called for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. She linked the prevalence of unregulated food products to weak border control and illegal trade, noting that informal retailers often stocked items that did not meet safety standards. She likened these operations to "food zama zamas," and argued that all businesses selling food should be subject to regulation.

She supported the proposal for an independent Food Safety Authority, stating that it should be elevated to a national priority. She also agreed that the capacity of food inspectors needed to be strengthened, while also ensuring integrity and preventing corruption. She proposed that communities play a greater role in monitoring informal retailers.

She said poor distribution infrastructure contributed to food safety risks, particularly in the informal sector. Storage conditions were often inadequate, leading to contamination, such as the growth of mycotoxins in groundnuts due to improper storage. She reiterated that food safety was a shared responsibility. She concluded by emphasising the need for clean living environments, referring to her recent visits to China, where urban cleanliness was a priority.

Closing remarks

The Chairperson thanked Prof Korsten, acknowledging the importance of enjoying good food and the role of fresh produce from school gardens, which was lacking at many schools. She commented that people often rushed through meals instead of taking the time to appreciate food. She expressed appreciation for Prof Korsten’s time, her engagement with the Committee, and the clarifications provided on various issues. She gave an assurance that the Committee, as the responsible oversight body, would monitor the work of the Department and the Ministry.

She extended New Year’s greetings to the Director-General, noting that this was their first engagement for the year. If present, he was invited to greet the Members and Prof Korsten before the meeting concluded.

Mr Mooketsa Ramasodi, Director-General (DG), Department of Agriculture, apologised for joining late due to access issues. He greeted the Members and expressed anticipation for the engagements ahead. He also acknowledged Prof Korsten’s contributions, noting the Department’s collaboration with her, particularly in food safety education and training. He said the Department would respond to the issues raised in the following week’s meeting.

The Chairperson welcomed the Director-General’s remarks, and looked forward to further engagement with the Department and Members in the coming week. She said that, in future, access issues should be resolved to ensure full participation. She emphasised the importance of the Department attending Portfolio Committee meetings to gain insights that would support its work and oversight functions.

The next meeting was scheduled for 4 February, and would be held physically in Parliament.

The meeting was adjourned.

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