Cape Town — There has been a spate of food poisoning incidents that occurred in the Free State and saw more than 100 learners admitted to hospital.
Food poisoning has become a growing issue among many provinces, with Gauteng authorities already pushing to declare the situation a disaster. The Free State has not been free of any incidents as the Free State Health Department reported more than 100 cases at three different schools this past week.
According to News24, more than 4o pupils from Ihobe Pimary School in Mangaung were admitted to Pelonomi Hospital after they experienced stomach cramps from eating chocolate and snacks.
The department’s Mondli Mvambi said the learners received medical attention and had not experienced any vomiting or diarrhoea.
There was another incident in Welkom when 45 learners from Daluvuyo Primary School developed rashes and started itching after they allegedly consumed snacks from vendors.
46 pupils have been rushed to a Bloemfontein hospital with suspected food poisoning. This after the Free State Education Department called on law enforcement agencies to clamp down on spaza shops selling contaminated food. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/aiUa8FhcJ5
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 7, 2024
Mvambi said 42 learners were discharged and the three who remained showed signs of vomiting and diarrhoea. The third incident occurred in Marquard when 14 learners were sent to Mamello Community Health Centre for suspected food poisoning, but all of them were discharged.
As reported by EWN, the Health Department confirmed that, as of Friday morning, only one child remained in hospital after the respective incidents.
“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,” Mvambi said.
The Free State Education Department has also called on schools to monitor food vendors and what they sell in an attempt to avoid such incidents.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
