SOUTH AFRICA – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has issued an urgent call for vigilance by parents and caregivers in the province due to a significant rise in food poisoning cases among children, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostel (TISH) communities.
This alert follows a series of recent incidents where multiple cases of foodborne illnesses were reported, leading to the tragic deaths of several children. The department is stressing the critical importance of food safety and hygiene.
Health experts explain that foodborne illnesses are typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water containing harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins.
In areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, the risk of contamination increases, leading to outbreaks that can be especially severe in children due to their developing immune systems.
In response, the GDoH, in partnership with the Department of Education, has launched several initiatives to prevent further cases of food poisoning.
These initiatives include comprehensive health education sessions focused on hand hygiene, proper food handling and preparation, water hygiene, and maintaining clean environments.
The sessions also emphasize the importance of checking food expiry dates and avoiding illegal dumping, which poses a significant public health risk.
The department is also stepping up inspections of food vendors and small businesses in TISH communities to ensure they comply with health and safety regulations.
Environmental health teams are working closely with local municipalities to conduct these inspections and encourage small business operators to obtain compliance and proper zoning certificates, ensuring they meet the required safety standards.
Vendors found to be non-compliant are being fined, issued prohibition notices, and, in some cases, shut down by local authorities.
The GDoH continues to urge municipalities to strictly enforce bylaws to ensure that local shops and vendors adhere to hygiene standards to prevent potential food contamination.
As of early February 2024, the GDoH has reported a total of 207 food poisoning cases among children in Gauteng, resulting in 10 deaths, raising serious concerns about food safety in the province.
Ekurhuleni has been the hardest hit, with 119 reported cases and 4 deaths. Johannesburg follows with 40 cases and 3 deaths, while Tshwane has recorded 31 cases and 3 deaths.
The West Rand district has reported 14 cases and 3 deaths, and Sedibeng has seen 3 cases, all of which were fatal.
