Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Nomakhosazana Meth has called for food safety inspections to be intensified and for action to be taken against shop owners found to be selling expired goods.
Meth's appeal comes after 23 more learners from a third school in Mlungisi township in Komani were rushed to Frontier Hospital this morning.
The total number of learners who have taken ill now stands at 143.
The learner's symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, itchiness, high temperature, and shortness of breath.
On Thursday, 120 learners were treated in hospital and at local clinics.
There has been a spike in suspected food poisoning cases around the country in recent weeks, with at least two children reported to have died after eating snacks they had bought at a local shop in Gauteng.
Although there have been no reported fatalities in the Eastern Cape as a result of suspected food poisoning, one learner is recovering in ICU.
“We are calling on municipalities working with relevant stakeholders like law enforcement agencies to intensify the food safety inspection operations because we cannot afford to have shop owners selling expired goods to our children, which at times includes expired baby formula.
“The law must take its course against shop owners selling expired food items,” said Meth.
The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 and the National Health Act of 2003 empower municipalities to conduct food safety inspections blitz, fine transgressors, close shops that don't comply with the law, and make arrests.
Although tests are yet to confirm the cause of illness of the 143 learners, they all reported buying snacks and food from local hawkers or shops.
The Buffalo City Metro's clampdown operations on spaza shops entered its second day on Friday.
Thus far, 21 Immigrants has been arrested.
The total value of the seized items were R110 000.
This includes R30 000 in counterfeit goods.
