There have been 863 food poisoning incidents which have claimed the lives of 11 people in Gauteng since October 2023.

This is according to the provincial department of health, which has called on all arms of society, particularly “parents and caregivers to play their part in protecting children from the risks of food poisoning to safeguard their health and prevent further incidents”.

“The Gauteng department of health is deeply concerned about the alarming rise in incidents of food poisoning, particularly when it affects children,” said department acting director of communications Khutso Rabothata.

The department said the latest incident was reported on Monday after 41 children, aged between three and five, were taken to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Diepkloof, Soweto, after allegedly consuming rat poison they had mistaken for candy.

“Upon medical examination of the 41 children, a total of 17 were admitted yesterday [Monday] afternoon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for overnight observation, while the remaining 24 were discharged home in a satisfactory condition. This incident is reported to have taken place at a preschool and investigations are being conducted to establish more facts,” said Rabothata.

“Another food poisoning incident has been reported where 10 people [two adults and eight children] were referred to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Ekurhuleni, from Ramokonopi Community Health Centre, on Monday night, the 15th of April 2024.

“The two adults were discharged after receiving medical care last [Monday] night, and two children were also discharged this morning while the six remaining children are still admitted in the hospital and in a stable condition.”

Rabothata said the department’s public health mobilisation team would continue to drive educational campaigns in communities, particularly in the townships, informal settlements and hostels to educate people about the dangers of food-borne diseases and empower them with food safety tips.

These include food handling, preparation, storage, the importance of checking food expiry labels and hand-washing before handling food.

He said the public health unit yesterday dispatched a team comprising an epidemiologist, health promotion and environmental health officers to the facility to assess the environment, and advise where there are gaps etc.

“Furthermore, the department implore community members to play their part and enforce adherence to food safety practices to prevent such incidents in the future and protect the well-being of the children.

“The Gauteng department of health will continue working tirelessly to address food safety concerns and provide the necessary support and resources to our communities.

“Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea which may be bloody in some cases, stomach-aches, sudden swelling face, and body aches/weakness, are encouraged to visit their nearest health facilities for medical attention,” Rabothata said.

newsdesk@sowetan.co.za