CropLife South Africa and its member companies are expressing grave concern over recent reports of children suffering severe health consequences, including fatalities, linked to the consumption of food contaminated by illegal pesticides.
The industry association said investigations indicate some food sold by street vendors and spaza shops may have been tainted through improper pesticide applications.
“We are appalled by these reports,” CropLife SA said in a statement to its members. “It appears that illegal pesticides have been used to control pests, such as cockroaches and rodents, in food preparation areas, or that these hazardous chemicals have been stored near food meant for public sale.”
While the organisation awaits definitive identification of the active ingredients involved from health and law enforcement officials, preliminary symptoms suggest the involvement of organophosphate chemicals.
“The symptoms observed strongly indicate that pesticides from the organophosphate family are likely to be implicated,” CropLife SA added.
Under South African law, it is illegal for any person to sell, possess, or use pesticides not registered by the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, in accordance with Act No. 36 of 1947.
“This registration ensures that pesticides are sold in original approved packaging, complete with detailed labelling and strict adherence to usage instructions,” CropLife SA emphasised.
Illegal pesticides
The association highlighted that none of the suspected pesticides tied to these recent incidents have government approvals for household pest control.
“To confirm, these so-called ‘street poisons’ are not registered for such use, are illegally repackaged, and lack essential labelling and warnings regarding their safe application,” said CropLife SA.
Of particular concern are allegations that some street vendors are offering pesticides with active ingredients banned in South Africa or intended for agricultural use only.
“CropLife SA strongly urges the relevant authorities to seize these illegal street poisons, enforce existing pesticide regulations, and investigate the channels through which banned products are entering South Africa,” they asserted.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to the responsible use of legally registered pesticides for agricultural and public health pest control.
“We urge consumers to purchase only pesticides that are legally registered, sold in their original packaging, and accompanied by official labels that provide clear usage instructions and safety precautions,” CropLife SA concluded.
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