By Sashin Naidoo

This was heard during a media briefing this morning, by Ministers leading government’s multidisciplinary teams heading the national response to instances of foodborne illnesses.

The media statement says, “The National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, classified foodborne illnesses as a national disaster.”

Hlabisa says it is possible that a State of National Disaster will be implemented.

He says, “We are in the process of doing due consideration for the declaration of a disaster, the classification helps to activate all structures and departments to start taking action in relation to the challenge on hand. It is at our attention and if it has to happen it will happen very soon.”

Last night, a five-year-old boy in Diepkloof, Soweto, died after allegedly consuming snacks from a spaza shop.

Three other young boys are in a critical condition in hospital.

--SABC--