Food poisoning claims the lives of 6 more children in Gauteng
The Gauteng Health Department has expressed concern over the significant increase in food poisoning cases among children, particularly in townships, informal settlements and hostels.
This comes after an incident in which seven children were admitted to the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital last Thursday for suspected food poisoning.
Six of the children have since died, while one remains in a critical condition.
The department’s spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says local shop owners should comply with hygiene standards.
“Now this is a concerning incident especially, if you look at the fact that since February 2024, we have had a total of 207 cases affecting children that were reported across the province and, I think this is a worrying trend that we are seeing.”
Modiba has added that the department has intervened by having environmental health teams working with local municipalities to continue doing inspections and encouraging even small businesses, Spaza shops, etc to comply with the necessary regulations.”
(SABCNews)
