​The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) continues to educate the public on safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage as the province experiences what has been described as a 'foodborne illness outbreak.'
The department used the observation of World Food Day on 16 October 2024 under the theme "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," which promotes the global campaign to end hunger and ensure that everyone has access to safe and nutritious food, to further raise awareness among communities. 
Of lately, healthcare facilities in the provinces have been treating a large number of people presenting with foodborne illness symptoms (cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea), some resulting in acute poisoning and even death due to incorrect food handling. In some of the cases traces of chemicals referred to as organophosphates commonly used either as pesticides or insecticides were found.
Food when it is safe and nutritious is vital to sustain life and promote good health. However, if contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, it can cause foodborne diseases and even result in fatalities.
The safe steps in food handling includes hygiene measures such as washing hands, thoroughly with clean water and soap or alcohol-based sanitiser before handling the food, cleaning the food being prepared such as fruits and vegetables with clean water, and cleaning surfaces where food is being prepared. 
It is also important to separate raw food away from ready-to-eat items to avoid cross contamination when storing. Cooking all raw meat such as beef, pork, lamb and poultry thoroughly, and ensuring that food is kept at the correct temperature. 
Most food poisoning incidents are as a result of contamination due to food being stored near chemicals such as pesticides and rodenticides. It is important that the public avoids using any chemicals near food or drinks to prevent accidental ingestion or contamination. 
The public is warned to never buy food that has passed it expiry date as the quality of food is compromised and may result in food poisoning. 
Meanwhile, 294 incidences of foodborne illnesses have been reported in the province between February and October this year. Most of the cases were reported in Ekurhuleni (121), followed by Tshwane (78), Johannesburg (46), West Rand (46) and Sedibeng (03). These sadly resulted in 16 deaths. Most deaths were reported in Johannesburg (07) followed by Ekurhuleni (04), Sedibeng (03), and Tshwane (02) with the age range of 6-9 years. 
As part of efforts to raise awareness on the prevention of foodborne illnesses in the province, the Gauteng Outbreak Response Team consisting of multiple stakeholders and municipalities is currently conducting food safety blitz in spaza shops, street vendors and schools providing valuable public education.
Moreover, communities should report suspected shops or vendors selling unsafe fake food and expired to call the toll-free number, 0800 GAUTENG (4288364) or 0800 22 88 22 or dial USSD: *134*47472# or *134*GPGSA# (Zero Rated).