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By Johnathan Paoli
A suspected food poisoning incident involving 47 primary school learners from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust, Hammanskraal, has prompted medical attention across multiple hospitals in the area.
Gauteng health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed that the children, aged between 9 and 14, received treatment at Jubilee Hospital, Odi Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.
The majority of the affected learners were discharged from the hospitals by Tuesday.
However, as of the latest updates, four children remain hospitalised, with one receiving care at a private facility.
The incident reportedly began when Grade 5 learners consumed chocolates that were purchased from another student.
While the chocolates had an expiry date of June 2024, the consumption led to gastrointestinal distress among the children, with some also experiencing breathing difficulties.
In response to the incident, Modiba has issued a public advisory emphasising the importance of food safety.
He urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant about the proper handling of both perishable and non-perishable food items.
“While the chocolates may have appeared safe due to their expiry date, it is crucial to remember that expired food should not be consumed, regardless of its appearance,” Modiba said.
He highlighted the significance of hand hygiene, advising the public to wash hands thoroughly before handling food and after using the bathroom to prevent cross-contamination.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this incident, health officials are urging the community to remain cautious and proactive about food safety practices.
Modiba said his department was monitoring the health of the remaining learners and has committed to providing further updates as necessary.
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.
Five of them were buried last week, and the sixth child, seven-year-old Katleho Olifant who later died in hospital, will be buried over the weekend.
The government is still attempting to get a handle on all the cases.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said last week that she had received briefings from provinces regarding the food poisonings, and the incidents appeared to be isolated.
While her counterpart in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni called on South Africans to stop supporting spaza shops owned illegally by foreigners who she accused of selling poisonous food that claimed the lives of innocent children.
INSIDE EDUCATION