Cape Town — Several Gauteng Departments are pushing to declare the cases of food-borne illnesses in the province a disaster following a rise in food poisoning cases throughout the province.
The latest incident saw 110 learners from Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong sent to the hospital after experiencing symptoms of stomach cramps and vomiting during break time. The learners were transported to nearby medical facilities, a statement said.
“The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is actively monitoring the incident and will provide additional information as the investigation proceeds,” the GDE’s Steven Mabona said.
The department confirmed that all 110 learners were admitted, with 98 discharged last night and the remaining 12 learners, who had stayed under medical supervision, were discharged this morning, Mabona told Newzroom Afrika.
He added that any food linked to foodborne illnesses are tested and the department is on the ground to investigate these incidents. While he understood that parents were upset about the incident, he said they had assured parents that necessary testing has continued and the tests will be presented to them.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says all the pupils from Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, have been discharged from hospital. 110 pupils were hospitalised after they complained about stomach cramps after allegedly eating samp at the school… pic.twitter.com/j0r6iUXLrc
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 7, 2024
According to EWN, a special executive council meeting was convened to look at the response to the rising cases, including food compliance checks.
“Members of the Executive Council and government officials will continue crisscrossing the province to engage residents on consumer education, food safety protocols and compliance,” Panyaza Lesufi’s, spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, said.
The public is urged to report any use, trade, marketing, and manufacturing of illegal chemicals to the nearest police station,” said Sizwe Pamla, spokesperson for Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The national government said it was considering comprehensive investigations across all provinces to discuss with relevant stakeholders. These investigative teams include the National Consumer Commission, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Agriculture, and the environmental directorate of the National Department of Health.
“These teams are supervised by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, which is ensuring that all investigators are well-trained and equipped to handle the situation with the highest standards of diligence and expertise,” said the Government Communication and Information System’s Gavin Sadler.
GAUTENG LEGISLATURE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION CONCERNED OVER RISING CASES OF FOOD POISONING AMONG LEARNERShttps://t.co/qWZTebmv23 pic.twitter.com/YGr6nbpNfD
— GPLegislature (@GPLegislature) November 6, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
