Picture: Learners fell ill after eating snacks bought from foreign-owned tuck shops/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
More calls are made to government to investigate foreign-owned tuck shops to ensure that they sell healthy food. This comes after learners who buy snacks from foreign-owned tuck shops continue to be affected.
On Monday, several learners from Jan Kempdorp Primary School were ferrying to hospital after they allegedly ate snacks from foreign-owned tuck shops. The school principal, Faith Jantjies-Modiakgotlha, urged parents to buy snacks for their children from reputable supermarkets.
“I would like to inform parents of the incident that took place today at the school. Several learners had food poisoning after they allegedly ate snacks (simba chips) they bought in the morning as they came to school.
“Learners suffered from stomach cramps, numbness and headaches. These learners were taken to hospital for medical attention. However, everything is under control for now. Tomorrow is a normal school day. Parents are advised to buy snacks for their children either from Shoprite, OK or Checkers if need be,” said Jantjies-Modiakgotlha.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said they have noted with grave concern an increase in food poisoning of learners, who have allegedly bought snacks from vendors outside schools and fell ill.
Mbinqo-Gigaba further said, the latest incident today was brought to her attention regarding learners from Jan Kempdorp Primary School in the Northern Cape, where a letter was sent to parents informing them of learners who suffered from food poisoning at school after allegedly eating simba chips they bought in the morning on their way to school.
“Learners suffered stomach cramps, numbness and headaches. They were taken to hospital and according to the school everything is now under control. Last week, a Grade 3 learner from Tshepisong in Roodepoort, died after allegedly eating biscuits she bought from a local spaza shop.
“Last month, it was reported that 90 learners from Shoshanguve in Gauteng were ill and were transported to hospital after allegedly eating “space cookies” bought from a vendor just outside a local school. We appeal to parents who want to supply their children with snacks to rather buy snacks for kids themselves, instead and when they do purchase these snacks, to do so from reputable stores,” she said.
Mbinqo-Gigaba added that, this seems has become a very worrying trend. She said some of the vendors that vulnerable kids buy from, seem to be uncaring of the health of the learners.
“Parents need to take heed. Food poisoning is dangerous and we should not play with the health and lives of our future leaders,” said Mbinqo-Gigaba.
The Guardian 