JOHANNESBURG - NATJOINTS is treating the recent spate of suspected food poisoning incidents as a national security threat.
Six children died in Naledi after eating items bought at a local spaza shop.
Dozens of pupils were also rushed to hospital for suspected food poisoning in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
WATCH: Discussion | Food poisoning cases rising among pupils
The Health Department says it's concluded that a chemical agent is causing the illnesses.
It's working feverishly to identify it.
Around 80 environmental inspectors, police and the consumer council are investigating the agent.
The team will commence their work in Soweto on Monday.
Meanwhile, there are growing calls for government to ensure the safety of food sold at spaza shops.
Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile has outlined government’s plans.
He says government will also take tough action against those attacking foreign-owned shops.