Fatshimetrie Headlines:
A food tragedy recently affected fifty-nine pupils at Dzumeri Primary School in Giyani. The children were rushed to hospital after falling ill after consuming food from the school’s nutrition programme as well as snacks. According to the Limpopo Department of Education, the children started vomiting and experienced abdominal pain after eating porridge and milk from the school’s nutrition programme, in addition to doughnuts and sweets.
The tragedy is part of a growing series of cases of foodborne illnesses mainly affecting children, reported in townships in the Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces in recent weeks. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed at a press conference that since the beginning of the year, the province has recorded 441 cases of food contamination, resulting in 23 deaths.
Seven autopsies have revealed the presence of organophosphates, a chemical suspected to have caused the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, last October after they ate chips purchased from a convenience store. A forensic investigation, however, did not establish a direct link to the store. Another death of a child in Alexandra after eating chips raises serious concerns.
Children’s health is a top priority and every effort must be made to ensure their food safety. Authorities must step up inspections of local food stores to prevent further tragedies. Raising awareness on good food practices and strengthening health checks are essential to ensure the quality of food consumed by children in and out of schools.
Now is the time for vigilance and prevention to avoid new food crises and protect the health of the most vulnerable. Food security is a major public health issue that must be addressed seriously and with commitment from all stakeholders. Children deserve to grow up in a healthy and safe environment, where their well-being is preserved at all times.