The South African Human Rights Commission has urged parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture to impose an immediate ban on hazardous pesticides, including Terbufos.
Terbufos has been linked to multiple food contamination cases that resulted in the deaths of several children across the country. Among the first victims were six children from Naledi in Soweto, who were part of a total of 23 fatalities last year after consuming food believed to be contaminated with the highly toxic agrochemical.
The wave of food poisoning incidents sparked national outrage over the handling of pesticides and the lack of strict regulations governing harmful chemicals. While fewer cases have been reported in recent months, the commission insists that the issue cannot be ignored.
In a recent meeting with the portfolio committee on agriculture and minister John Steenhuisen, the commission intensified pressure on lawmakers to take decisive action against dangerous pesticides.
HRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi stated that the commission is advocating for the adoption of regenerative agriculture and stronger government intervention to safeguard public health.
Although Terbufos is banned in the European Union, it remains legally registered for agricultural use in South Africa.
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