Seventy-four students were taken to hospitals in the West Rand over food poisoning scares

The Gauteng Health Department said 74 Grade 12 students were admitted to West Rand Hospital on Thursday after suspected food poisoning.

The students, aged between 17 and 20, from Fochville Secondary School, Badirile Secondary School and Wedela Technical School took part in a Matric Camp at Fochville Secondary School.

Forty-two students reported to the Fochville Clinic and 32 to the Kokosi Clinic on Thursday morning with similar symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Following assessment, 73 of the students were referred to Carletonville District Hospital for further medical evaluation and one was transferred to a private facility.

“Our health teams are monitoring the situation. “The condition of the learners is stable,” said Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.

The latest incident followed another in Naledi, Soweto, where five children died due to suspected food poisoning.

“The department is concerned about these repeated incidents,” Modiba said.

The department warned the public to be vigilant in food safety and ensure proper handling of perishable and non-perishable food items.

“It is important that food is cooked thoroughly, stored at the correct temperature and consumed within safe time frames. It is equally important to wash your hands before handling food and after using the toilet to avoid cross-contamination.”

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