Zuko Komisa
Why are there spikes in school food poisoning cases in Gauteng?
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is extremely concerned about the increase in food poisoning cases in the province, particularly those involving children. This comes after 41 kids, ranging in age from three to five, were reportedly treated for rat poisoning on Monday and were brought to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto after thinking it was candy.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Acting Director Public Health Gauteng Food Safety Control’s Christina Moumakwe on measures they are taking to combat the surge of food poisoning cases in schools.
Listen to the full conversation here:
Moumakwe said that the province’s Department of health’s inquiries of the incident were underway to gather further details regarding the rat poisoning event, which is purported to have happened at a preschool.
She further stated that to protect children’s health and stop more incidences, the department urges all stakeholders—parents and caregivers in particular—to do their share in shielding kids from the dangers of food poisoning.
“We are investigating all cases reported”
“While we are on the ground we are not just doing investigations, we are also providing health education and awareness, especially in our pre-schools where the majority of these cases are being reported. The Health and environment inspectors have been visiting these schools for frequent inspections, and have been looking into chemical safety. In the most recent case, the children consumed ratex thinking it was candy. We are also monitoring pest control measerues.”
“Majority of cases in feeding scheme areas”
“We want to ensure that people enforce the issue of hygiene, we’ve noted that the majority of cases are in feeding scheme areas. We have also seen how in these areas the infrastructure is compromised.”
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