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Snack Time Gone Wrong: 25 Learners Fall Ill After Eating Street Food in Gauteng
A troubling incident occurred at Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Gauteng, where 25 learners fell ill after eating snacks from street vendors outside the school on Thursday. Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, expressed serious concerns about the food-borne illnesses affecting the students in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit.
Symptoms and Emergency Response
The issues began in the morning when students felt body itching and stomach pains about 30 minutes after eating the snacks.
Emergency services quickly responded, transporting the affected learners to nearby medical facilities.
Eight students were taken to Kungwini Clinic and 17 to Zithobeni Clinic, all assisted by GPG ambulances.
Current Health Status of Learners
Out of the 25 affected learners, 22 have since been discharged after treatment.
Two students were taken to private facilities by their parents for further care, while one learner remains under observation at Zithobeni Clinic
Importance of Food Safety
MEC Matome Chiloane stressed the need for ensuring that children only consume safe food.
Law enforcement and health authorities are investigating the safety of street vendor products to prevent future incidents.
“We urge parents, guardians, and schools to be vigilant. Our priority is the health and safety of our children, and we wish the affected learners a full and speedy recovery,” Chiloane said.
A Tragic Reminder
This incident follows another tragic case involving a Grade 1 learner from Karabo Primary School in Naledi, Soweto, who died after suspected food poisoning on October 6. This incident affected several students and resulted in the deaths of five learners from different schools.
This recent health scare highlights the critical need for food safety in schools and communities. As investigations continue, parents, guardians, and school officials must stay alert and prioritize the health and well-being of children. Ensuring that food sold near schools meets safety standards is essential to preventing future incidents and protecting young learners from food-borne illnesses.
