A food safety concern has emerged in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province after 43 students from Ngaqa Primary School in Mtubatuba were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning.
The students reportedly consumed snacks purchased from street vendors located near the school premises.
After receiving treatment at a local clinic, they were discharged, while health officials sent food samples to the lab for detailed analysis.
The provincial education department is currently working with the police and the Department of Health to determine the cause of the foodborne illness.
The authorities are focusing on identifying any harmful substances in the food sold by the vendors.
This incident follows a worrying pattern of food poisoning cases in South Africa.
Earlier in October, six children in Johannesburg died from suspected food poisoning, while over 130 students from various provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal, were hospitalized.
These cases have raised concerns about food safety regulations, especially concerning food sold to children.
In response to the growing number of food poisoning cases, South Africa’s National Department of Health dispatched an 80-member team, comprising environmental and health inspectors.
Their task is to thoroughly investigate these food incidents, focusing on local vendors and tuck shops.
Inspections began on Monday, and authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure food sold near schools meets safety standards.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged parents and schools to be vigilant about the food their children consume.
The results of the laboratory tests are expected to shed more light on what caused the students to fall ill. Authorities are treating this issue with urgency to prevent any future occurrences.
