By Nkhensani Chauke
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane says he is seriously concerned about the suspected food poisoning of children in the province, following 25 learners falling ill after consuming snacks purchased from vendors outside MshuluzaneMayisela Primary School in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, on Thursday.
The incident was reported after the learners came down with stomach cramps and were itchy just 30 minutes after consuming the snacks.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said emergency services transported the learners to medical facilities for treatment.
“Two learners were taken to private medical facilities by their parents, and one learner remains at Zithobeni Clinic, where they are still under medical observation. The condition of the remaining learner is being closely monitored,” he said
Mabona said the law enforcement and health officials would investigate the incident to determine the safety of the products sold by vendors, and to ensure that it did not happen again.
The MEC has stressed on the importance of ensuring that learners only consume safe food.
“We urge parents, guardians and schools to be vigilant. Our priority is the health and safety of our children, and we wish the affected learners a full and speedy recovery,” he said in a statement.
There have been a number of suspected food poisoning of children in Gauteng in recent months. Six friends, who were in primary school, died in Naledi in Soweto after purchasing chips from a spaza shop.
And a couple of days ago, a suspected food poisoning incident involving 47 learners
from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust, Hammanskraal, prompted medical attention across multiple hospitals in the area.
Inside Education
