More than 800 food poisoning incidents in Gauteng in five months
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has recorded a cumulative 861 food borne incidences which have resulted in 11 deaths since October 2023.
In the latest recorded case, a six-year-old grade one learner from the Mandlethu Primary School was declared dead by paramedics after she started vomiting in class on Tuesday.
Four children aged two, three, six and nine-years old are currently recovering at the Pholosong Regional Hospital in Tsakane after they were admitted following a suspected food poisoning incident.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says food samples including the biscuits have been collected from the shop and will undergo laboratory investigations to determine if there are any contaminants or other factors that may have contributed to this unfortunate incident.
"Blood and urine samples have also been taken to the laboratory from the hospitalised children.
"The provincial and district outbreak response team has also been on the ground conducting investigations, public health education and food safety blitz at the spaza shops in Tsakane to raise awareness and allay the public fear regarding alleged food poisoning.
"This is part of ongoing efforts to empower communities on food safety tips such as food handling, preparation, storage, the importance of checking food expiry labels and hand washing before handling food."
Gauteng Health has sent heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones and a speedy recovery to those that are currently admitted.
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