Suspected food poisoning cases at two primary schools in Mtuba
Suspected food poisoning incidents at two Mtubatuba-based primary schools see almost 40 pupils requiring medical attention
Two primary schools in Mtubatuba have reported suspected food poisoning incidents over the last week, both leaving multiple learners requiring medical attention.
On Monday, it was reported that about 20 pupils from Ngaqa Primary School were rushed to Machibini Clinic for medical attention after having eaten a certain brand of crisps, with some referred to Hlabisa Hospital.
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Grade 6 pupils were reportedly among the majority of those who sought medical attention, with some complaining of stomach aches.
Confirming the incident, the Department of Education’s (DoE) circuit manager Sthandwa Ngcobo said, while he did not yet have a detailed report owing to being tied up with matric preparations, the school’s principal had sent a report to the circuit office, which he asked to have sent to the district office in Mkhuze.
Monday’s incident follows a situation last week whereby a handful of parents protested outside kwaZitike Primary School in Mtubatuba on Friday over an alleged food poisoning incident that reportedly left over a dozen pupils seeking medical attention.
It is reported that the pupils on Thursday complained of intense itchiness, some sore throats and stomachs after having consumed a flavoured instant drink powder allegedly sold to them by a fellow learner.
More than 16 pupils had to be rushed to KwaMsane Clinic where they were referred to Hlabisa Hospital.
After waiting outside the school to meet with the principal and SGB, the parents were asked to wait until Tuesday (today) for a formal meeting.
Following investigations, some packets of crisps found on vendors had long since passed their best before date of 8 November 2019.
The crisps in question were being sold by vendors selling at a school neighbouring kwaZitike Primary, although there have been no reports of suspected food poisoning from that particular school.
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