ActionSA is deeply concerned by recent reports of over 100 learners from multiple schools in the Free State who have been hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning.
The symptoms reported, including severe stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, indicate a serious lapse in food safety, putting young lives at risk. Our hearts go out to the affected students and their families, who trusted that the food available near their schools would be safe for consumption.
The preliminary reports indicate that many of these incidents may be linked to food purchased from unregulated spaza shops and street vendors operating near schools. ActionSA believes it is unacceptable that our learners continue to be exposed to such dangers due to inadequate food safety oversight in our communities.
The following is a list of affected schools:
– Ihobe Primary School (45)
– Daluvuyo Primary School (48)
– Itemoheng Primary School (13)
ActionSA calls for an immediate clampdown on these unmonitored vendors. It is imperative that health and safety checks are enforced rigorously, and that all food vendors operating around schools are certified and regularly inspected to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Parents should never have to fear that their children’s health will be compromised by buying lunch or snacks near their schools.
We call on local and provincial authorities to act decisively. ActionSA proposes the establishment of strict regulatory frameworks for informal vendors and spaza shops operating in school zones to ensure that only those meeting the highest standards of food safety are permitted to operate. We demand that food safety be prioritised to prevent the recurrence of incidents like this, which compromise the health and future of our youth. The safety and well-being of our children is non-negotiable.
ActionSA stands ready to work with communities, parents, and authorities to create an environment where students are protected from preventable health risks.
ActionSA Calls for Immediate Intervention Following Increased Food Poisoning Incidents in Free State
ActionSA is deeply concerned by recent reports of over 100 learners from multiple schools in the Free State who have been hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning.
The symptoms reported, including severe stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, indicate a serious lapse in food safety, putting young lives at risk. Our hearts go out to the affected students and their families, who trusted that the food available near their schools would be safe for consumption.
The preliminary reports indicate that many of these incidents may be linked to food purchased from unregulated spaza shops and street vendors operating near schools. ActionSA believes it is unacceptable that our learners continue to be exposed to such dangers due to inadequate food safety oversight in our communities.
The following is a list of affected schools:
– Ihobe Primary School (45)
– Daluvuyo Primary School (48)
– Itemoheng Primary School (13)
ActionSA calls for an immediate clampdown on these unmonitored vendors. It is imperative that health and safety checks are enforced rigorously, and that all food vendors operating around schools are certified and regularly inspected to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Parents should never have to fear that their children’s health will be compromised by buying lunch or snacks near their schools.
We call on local and provincial authorities to act decisively. ActionSA proposes the establishment of strict regulatory frameworks for informal vendors and spaza shops operating in school zones to ensure that only those meeting the highest standards of food safety are permitted to operate. We demand that food safety be prioritised to prevent the recurrence of incidents like this, which compromise the health and future of our youth. The safety and well-being of our children is non-negotiable.
ActionSA stands ready to work with communities, parents, and authorities to create an environment where students are protected from preventable health risks.