Gauteng wants rise of food poisoning cases declared a disaster
In the latest incident, 110 pupils from Tamaho primary school were rushed to medical facilities after experiencing stomach cramps and vomiting shortly after eating samp.
Authorities conduct spaza shop inspections in Naledi, Soweto, following the death of six children from suspected food poisoning. Picture: EWN/ Jacques Nelles
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Executive Council says it's asking national government to declare the rising cases of food-borne illnesses in the province a disaster.
This follows a rise in food contamination cases involving children across the province.
The latest incident occurred in Katlehong on Wednesday, where 110 pupils from Tamaho primary school were rushed to medical facilities after experiencing stomach cramps and vomiting shortly after eating samp at school during break time.
Ninety-eight learners were discharged, while 12 others remain under medical supervision.
A special executive council meeting was convened to consider its response to the rising cases, which includes food compliance checks.
READ: NCC investigating sale of expired goods at spaza shops
"Members of the Executive Council and government officials will continue crisscrossing the province to engage residents on consumer education, food safety protocols and compliance. 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.
Meanwhile, national government said it was coordinating comprehensive investigations across all provinces, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“Investigation teams comprising the National Consumer Commission, South African Police Service, the Department of Agriculture, the environmental directorate of the National Department of Health, and local municipal officials are on the ground. 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.
ALSO READ: Organophosphate pesticide caused deaths of 6 children in Naledi - Motsoaledi
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they would work closely with health authorities to understand and address the root cause of these incidents.
"The Gauteng Department of Education [GDE], in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, is actively monitoring the incident and will provide additional information as the investigation proceeds. The GDE remains committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all learners and will provide psycho-social support to the affected learners, families, and school community," said GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.
Acting Gauteng Premier Kedibone Diale-Tlabela also called on property owners outsourcing their garages and homes to spaza shops to take extra caution in relation to items sold on their properties.
She added that parents should discourage their children from eating food bought at spaza shops because they are harmful and have no health benefits.