Health Feature: Food poisoning

Forensic tests have revealed that the six children who died as a result of food poisoning were killed by a highly toxic organophosphate called terbufos. Monica Sebetwana (6), Ida Maama (7), Isago Mabote (8), Karabo Rampou (9), Njabulo Msimanga (7) and Katlego Olifant (7) had eaten snacks from a local spaza shop that authorities believe were contaminated by pesticides. “All the six children died of terbufos ingestion. The toxicology has proven that the actual cause of death is organophosphate and not carbamate,” Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told journalists at media briefing. Phemelo speaks to Toxicologist, Dr Gerhard Verdoorn about the chemical found to have been the cause of the children’s death.