Staff Reporter
A leading advocacy group, SECTION 2, yesterday issued an urgent warning about the risk of toxic and counterfeit foods entering the country following reports of contaminated snacks causing the deaths of over 20 children in South Africa.
With Lesotho heavily dependent on South African imports for snacks and other goods, the group cautioned that stricter regulations in South Africa could result in these dangerous items being “dumped” in Lesotho.
“Basotho are at serious risk if these products slip through our borders, especially given that compliance levels here are low, and retailers have been reported to sell expired and rotten food with little or no repercussions,” SECTION 2 stated.
The warning follows the South African government’s recent intensified actions against toxic foods.
According to South African news outlet SABC, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on his government’s plan to combat the escalating food poisoning incidents that have led to hospitalisations and fatalities, particularly affecting schoolchildren.
South Africa’s Department of Health has mobilized the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to trace and examine the contamination sources.
In light of the situation, SECTION 2 called for immediate action from Lesotho’s Ministry of Health to prevent a potential crisis.
“We urge the Ministry of Health to assure Basotho that effective measures are in place to protect them from hazardous foods, particularly given unverified reports that such items may already have entered Lesotho,” the group declared.
The statement from SECTION 2 included specific recommendations for the Ministry and relevant authorities, urging: “Inform the public about specific products suspected of contamination in South Africa.”
SECTION 2 noted that similar brands were likely available in Lesotho.
“Address and penalise businesses selling expired or unsafe items,” the group stated, emphasising the need for rigorous action against retailers flouting food safety regulations.
It also called for the establishment of easy-to-access reporting channels for the public to report suspected hazardous products.
“Protecting the nation’s health must be a proactive priority, with transparent, decisive actions that keep the public informed and safe,” SECTION 2 stressed.
Concerns about food safety in Lesotho are not new.
Low enforcement and compliance with food safety standards have long been a challenge, with several reports of unsafe items being sold on store shelves. SECTION 2’s call comes amid heightened concern and demand for government intervention to secure the country’s food supply.
Ministry of Health has not yet issued a statement regarding SECTION 2’s warning or outlined specific actions to address the potential threat.
SECTION 2 urged swift action, stressing that Basotho need assurances that the government is taking every measure to keep potentially deadly foods off the shelves.
