South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre has classified the recent uptick in foodborne illnesses across the country as a national disaster. This was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane. This after a spate of foodborne illnesses as a result of several factors have claimed the lives of some 22 people including children this year and left others hospitalised. Phemelo speaks to Toxicologist, Dr Gerhard Verdoorn.