Probe food poisoning

Pupils fall ill after eating meals from school nutrition programme.

- Masoka Dube

The National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) has called on authorities to investigate food poisoning incidents related to the National School Nutrition Programme.

Recently, more than 150 pupils from Gobizizwe Agricultural School near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape were hospitalized after they allegedly consumed a meal at school.

A few weeks ago, more than 30 children from MP Mokoena Primary School in Bushbuckridge were treated for food poisoning after they allegedly consumed oranges from the school kitchen.

NASGB national chair Matakanye Matakanya said it was surprising that poisoning incidents were still occurring despite vendors being barred from school premises.

He said the continuation of the incidents showed that the meal supplied by the school might be the cause.

"Whoever supplies food that negatively affects our children must be stopped. Parents and community members must stand up and fight against this ongoing problem. We are calling on the authorities to investigate the food suppliers," said Matakanya.