Concern has been expressed by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on the startling rise in food poisoning cases, particularly involving young people.
In the most recent occurrence, 41 kids between the ages of 3 and 5 were treated at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Monday after it is said that they mistakenly consumed rat poison for sweets.
Of the forty-one youngsters, seventeen were admitted for observation over night, while the other twenty-four were released.
Investigations are in progress on the preschool where the event occurred.
Later on Monday, 10 people—two adults and eight children—were referred to the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Ekurhuleni, according to Gauteng Health spokeswoman Khutso Rabothata.
They were from the Community Health Centre in Ramokonopi.
Since October 2023, 11 people have passed away as a result of foodborne illnesses.
In the last six and a half months, 863 of these cases have been registered, according to the department.
In order to preserve children’s health and stop more occurrences, Rabothata adds the Department has urged all facets of society—especially parents and caregivers—to do their share of preventing food poisoning in children.
The public health mobilization team of the GDoH is still leading educational campaigns in communities, especially in townships, informal settlements, and hostels. These campaigns aim to inform residents about the risks associated with food-borne illnesses and provide them with food safety advice, such as how to handle, prepare, and store food, how important it is to check food labels for expiration, and how important it is to wash your hands before handling food.
“Furthermore, the Department implores community members to play their part and enforce adherence to food safety practices to prevent such incidents in the future and protect the wellbeing of the children.”
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