Gauteng Health Dept alarmed by rise in food poisoning cases
On Monday, 41 preschool children were treated at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto for consuming rat poison - which they had mistaken for sweets.
Picture: Refilwe Thobega/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has raised concern over an increase in incidents of food poisoning in the province.
On Monday, 41 preschool children were treated at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto for consuming rat poison - which they had mistaken for sweets.
Another food poisoning incident was reported where two adults and eight children were referred to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Ekurhuleni for treatment.
The incidents bring the total number of food borne incidents recorded since October last year to over 860, with 11 lives lost.
The acting head of communications at the GDoH, Khutso Rabothata, is urging parents and caregivers to play their part in protecting children from the risks of food poisoning.
"The GDoH’s public health mobilisation team continues to drive educational campaigns in communities particularly in the townships, informal settlements, and hostels to educate communities about the dangers of food borne diseases and empower them with food safety tips."