The objective of this edition of Spatial Insights is to quantitatively assess the rising impact of foodborne illnesses (FBI) and food poisoning in South Africa, with a specific focus on vulnerable communities.
Foodborne illnesses (FBI) and food poisoning are related but distinct health concerns. Foodborne illness is a broad term that encompasses various diseases caused by contaminated food, which may occur at any point in the food production or handling process. These illnesses can arise from environmental contaminants, such as pollutants in water, soil, or air, as well as from improper food storage or handling practices, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Food poisoning, as a subset of foodborne illness, typically involves acute gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often due to consuming food contaminated by harmful toxins or bacteria, usually associated with more localized and short-term contamination events (read more).

Figure 1: Distribution of food poisoning cases and fatalities in Gauteng districts

Figure 2: Reported foodborne illness outbreaks by province, 23 October 2023 to 14 February 2024
Recent reports in South Africa have revealed an alarming increase in food poisoning cases among children, especially in township, informal settlement, and hostel (TISH) communities (Department of Health, 2024). Gauteng has seen 207 reported cases among children since early February 2024, resulting in 10 fatalities. The highest number of cases occurred in Ekurhuleni, followed by the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane (Figure 1). Figures 2 and 3 indicate that foodborne illness outbreaks have been consistently high in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, further emphasizing the critical need for enhanced food safety measures across South Africa, particularly in areas with limited access to health and safety resources.

Figure 3: Foodborne illness outbreaks by province, 1 January to 4 June 2024
Moeti, T. & Weir-Smith, G. (2024). Rising foodborne illnesses and food poisoning cases among children in South Africa: a focus on vulnerable communities. Spatial Insights: Edition 14. Pretoria: eResearch Knowledge Centre, Human Sciences Research Council. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/23202.