Cape Town – A surge in food poisoning cases at schools has raised alarm over the safety of meals provided to pupils across South Africa.
Recent incidents in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape have left dozens of children hospitalised, with parents and education bodies demanding urgent intervention.
The Citizen reported that about 50 pupils at Mahuntsi Secondary School in Malamulele, Limpopo were rushed to hospital after suffering severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Limpopo education spokesperson Mike Maringa confirmed that investigations were under way, with nutrition officials inspecting food storage and cooking utensils. He also noted that vendors near the school had been banned pending the outcome of the probe.
Similar incidents have been recorded in the Free State.
News24 reported that over 100 pupils were hospitalised in three separate cases of suspected food poisoning. At one school, 45 children were admitted to Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital with severe stomach pain, while others developed rashes and itching after consuming snacks from informal vendors.
Over 100 pupils from Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong were taken to hospital with suspected food poisoning. According to the Gauteng Education Dept, the children experienced stomach cramps and eating samp at school during break time. Twelve of the pupils remain in hospital,… pic.twitter.com/WJclKDn3nZ
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 7, 2024
DA education spokesperson Jacques Smalle said the rise in food-related illnesses was unacceptable, given the scale of the programme. “The school nutrition programme is responsible for feeding about 1.4 million pupils.
The department cannot put pupils’ lives at risk. We are calling for an immediate investigation into the circuit, the service provider and the food handling conditions at the school,” Smalle said.
The National Association of School Governing Bodies echoed the DA’s concerns. Its chairperson, Matakanye Matakanye, argued that repeated outbreaks suggested systemic failings. “Something is seriously wrong with the programme,” he said.
[BREAKING NEWS] Seventy learners from Gobizizwe Agricultural School in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, rushed to hospital after suspected food poisoning.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/HJwJQCUPul
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 13, 2025
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has acknowledged the growing number of cases, but rejected claims that the NSNP itself was directly to blame. In an official statement, the department noted: “Some media reports have incorrectly attributed the food poisoning incidents to the National School Nutrition Programme, but no evidence has been found in this regard.
The incidents reported have mostly been linked to food purchased from informal traders and tuck shops, not the food supplied under the NSNP.” The DBE added that it was strengthening oversight and working with schools to enforce stricter hygiene and food safety standards.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
