KwaMashu resident Nosipho Mkhize has issued a stern warning to parents after her daughter discovered a pill in a packet of chips purchased from a local spaza shop.
The incident comes amidst a growing national crisis over contaminated snacks sold at informal retailers.
Mkhize recounted that her daughter, along with a school friend, found the pill after opening the packet.
“She told me they usually share snacks. When they opened the packet, they found a pill inside,” Mkhize said.
She reported the discovery to the police, but officers were unable to open a case due to the lack of a defined charge.
A detective took the pill for testing, with results expected in three months.
Mkhize’s concerns echo nationwide fears following the deaths of 22 children in separate incidents linked to food-borne illnesses and contaminated snacks.
The majority of cases have been reported in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, detailing a government-led effort to curb the crisis. Measures include:
Door-to-door inspections of spaza shops and informal food traders, starting with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Mandatory registration of all spaza shops and food-handling facilities with municipalities within 21 days. Non-compliant outlets will be shut down.
Deployment of multidisciplinary teams, including police, health officials, and consumer protection bodies, to enforce food safety standards.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli emphasized the importance of public education and intensified monitoring to prevent further fatalities.
Truda Foods, a leading producer of snacks, has denied any link between its products and the food poisoning incidents.
CEO Colin van Heerden stated, “In 30 years, we’ve never had a case of food poisoning linked to our products. Claims of pills being found in packets are mischievous.”
Van Heerden revealed that several false claims had been criminally prosecuted and assured the public of the company’s stringent manufacturing practices.
As investigations continue, parents like Mkhize urge vigilance.
“Educate your children and be mindful of where they buy their snacks. This can happen to anyone,” she cautioned.