Nine children from Mossel Bay, in the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, were admitted to hospital yesterday after allegedly consuming chips bought from a local spaza shop. The children, who began experiencing stomach cramps, were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, they have since been discharged after receiving medical care.
The children reportedly shared a packet of chips purchased from the spaza shop, which prompted their sudden illness. According to Municipal Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the children received prompt medical attention and are now recovering.
“Thankfully, the children were discharged after receiving the necessary treatment,” Mayor Stroebel said. “Our Environmental Health Practitioners have already launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, and we are working to ensure that such situations are prevented in the future.”
As part of the investigation, the chips consumed by the children will be sent to a laboratory for testing to determine whether they were contaminated with harmful substances. The test results are expected to be made public once they are available, shedding light on the cause of the suspected food poisoning.
Mayor Stroebel reassured the community that the incident is being taken seriously, and efforts are underway to identify any potential food safety violations.
This incident follows a series of recent reports raising concerns over the safety of food sold at informal outlets like spaza shops. The Garden Route District Municipality is working closely with local authorities and health practitioners to address food safety issues and ensure that businesses comply with health regulations.
As the investigation continues, local residents are urged to remain vigilant when purchasing food from informal vendors, particularly in the wake of incidents like this one.
Watch the video below:
Source: SABC News
