South Africa grapples with rising food poisoning cases

Over recent months, food-borne illnesses have affected four provinces, with Gauteng the hardest hit, recording at least 10 deaths and hundreds of hospitalisations.

The most recent case was recorded in Katlehong on November 6, where 110 primary school students were rushed to hospital after complaining of stomach cramps and vomiting after eating samp, a dish made from dried corn kernels, at school, according to the provincial education department.

Following this, the Department of Education in Gauteng Province, South Africa has suspended the sale of food at schools. 

The department on November 8 expressed deep concern about the development in a statement, indicating that immediate measures are being undertaken to safeguard the health and well-being of students.

The South African government has also launched a full investigation into the cause of these deaths and the outbreak.

The investigation teams include experts from various departments, including the National Consumer Commission and the South African Police Service.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Executive Council is urging the South African government to declare the situation a disaster.

Confirming this to Xinhua, Sizwe Pamla, spokesperson for Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the executive council and government officials will be meeting to address the crisis.

"Discussions with various government structures and the community were ongoing to stem the tide of food-borne illness," Pamla was quoted.

According to him, more compliance officers were being deployed in communities to monitor the food sold in tuck shops.