ActionSA in the Eastern Cape has called for an investigation into incidents of suspected food poisoning in parts of the province.
The call came amid reports that 120 learners from two schools in Komani were admitted to health facilities week after taking ill after eating snacks bought from spaza shops.
The Eastern Cape Health Department also reported on Thursday that 55 learners from a school in eDikeni, formerly Alice, were admitted to a hospital with a suspected food-borne disease, while 11 learners from a school in the Debe Nek area were treated in a Keiskammahoek hospital earlier this week.
Department spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, said tests were being done to determine the cause of their sickness.
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ActionSA Eastern Cape leader, Athol Trollip, said it was disheartening to witness another episode of potential harm to innocent children and places a spotlight on safeguarding the youth.
"The situation in Komani highlights the need for a swift and thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of this alleged food poisoning outbreak.
"The health and well-being of our children are paramount, and we must ensure that the root cause of this incident is identified to prevent future occurrences," he said.
Trollip said this also underscores the pressing need to address inadequate health and safety protocols and regulations, particularly concerning informal spaza shops.
He said the Komani incident, was a clear demonstration of the risks associated with counterfeit or expired goods, many of which are being sold by spaza shops, often owned by foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, Trollip also called for the finalisation of the 2022 Enyobeni tavern tragedy where the cause of the deaths of 21 young people at the Scenery Park tavern has yet to be determined.
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