ALSO READICYMI
This morning, some bad news hit South Africa as 62 young students faced health issues after indulging in snacks purchased from local street vendors. The Gauteng Department of Education is calling on schools and communities to be extra cautious about food safety following this troubling incident.
The incident unfolded at two Tshwane schools, Tlotlompho Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa and Reimolotswe in Winterveldt. At Tlotlompho Primary School, 22 students felt unwell after consuming snacks bought from a street vendor. Four of them were even rushed to the hospital due to health problems like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and difficulty breathing.
Meanwhile, at the other school, 40 students became ill after eating a snack known as dibombolina, purchased from different street hawkers near the school. Three students received treatment and were later released, while the rest were taken to a local hospital for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches. Fortunately, most of them got discharged afterward.
The education department initiated medical tests to determine the causes of these incidents. This occurrence has led the education department to stress the importance of vigilance among school governing bodies, parents, and the community as a whole. They are being urged to be watchful and inspect all food and snacks sold in and around schools. If there are concerns about snack quality or health risks, they should promptly report them to local authorities for appropriate action.
This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role food safety plays, especially in school settings. Ensuring the quality and safety of food served to children is vital in preventing health-related incidents and ensuring the well-being of students. It emphasizes the need for strict food quality controls and better supervision of street vendors operating near schools.
Furthermore, this incident is not an isolated case, as it follows a series of similar instances where children have become ill or even lost their lives after consuming food from nearby vendors. This situation underscores the importance of consistent and stringent food safety measures to protect public health and safety.
