Basic Education Ministry says food poisoning cases not linked to school nutrition programme

JOHANNESBURG - The Basic Education Ministry has clarified that its National School Nutrition Programme is not linked to cases of food poisoning among pupils.

In recent weeks, cases of suspected food poisoning linked to items allegedly bought from local vendors have led to the hospitalisation of children across the country. 

In some cases, children have died, the latest of which was in Naledi, Soweto where six children died after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop.

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According to the department spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, the National School Nutrition Programme serves more than nine million pupils with safe meals aligned with strict hygiene standards. 

"The food poisoning incidents have caused chaos and disruption in our schools over and above the fact that they are threatening lives. It has a negative impact on the academic program, so we urge parents to be vigilant, talk to their children and young people [must] make sure they eat from trusted sources.”