FS Health Dept says 1 pupil remains in hospital after suspected case of food poisoning
A little over 100 school children were treated for stomach cramps in various local health facilities in separate districts in the Free State this week.
Picture: Refilwe Thobega/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department in the Free State says only one child remains in hospital after a group of school children were treated for suspected food poisoning.
A little over 100 schoolchildren were treated for stomach cramps in various local health facilities in separate districts this week.
More similar cases have been reported in recent months across the country, raising safety concerns.
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Free State Health Department spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi:
“Fortunately, there is no death, and we are hoping for none, but we remain vigilant because we have asked our school health teams to be activated, and multi-disciplinary teams and intergovernmental relations to work together so that we curb any potential contamination of food services that could lead to many more people getting sick.”
Meanwhile, the Education Department in the Free State has called on schools in the province to closely monitor food vendors.
“We are also encouraging schools to closely monitor the vendors operating in and around the schools so that we curb these incidents because they are so dangerous, they are such a menace to society.”
‘GOVERNMENT IS SCARED’
The Save South Africa Civic Movement has accused the South African government of putting its diplomatic ties ahead of domestic interests amid growing calls to address the rise in food contamination cases.
“As the Movement, we are of the view that the government is scared to temper with other countries but rather sacrifice innocent children in order to maintain relations,” said spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane.
In addition to calls for a state of emergency to be declared, he said other interventions were needed.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs must cancel asylums of those who were, found to be on the wrong when coming to Spaza shops. Further, suspend the issuing of asylum to affected countries until further notice.”