Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dulandi Leech MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance is concerned following the recent reports that learners in Welkom, Bloemfontein and Marquard have been hospitalised with symptoms of food poisoning. This comes after a string of food poisoning incidences around the country, which have resulted in the loss of young lives.
The Free State government must get ahead of any further food poisoning incidents before more lives are endangered. It is unacceptable that, in light of the increase in food poisoning incidents, stricter measures have not yet been put in place to mitigate against the possibility of an outbreak. These incidents can have long-term health consequences, particularly in children, and it cannot be allowed that this situation becomes a regular occurrence.
The Department of Health must conduct stronger oversight over individuals and businesses who sell items for consumption. Unannounced inspections, setting rigorous standards for food operators and initiating programmes to train food handlers running informal businesses could help reduce the risk of possible contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses.
We will request that the department appear before the committee in the Legislature to report on the situation and provide insight into what measures have been put in place to mitigate further outbreaks.
The DA remains committed to advocating for the health and well-being of Free State residents. We will continue to monitor the situation and, where necessary, ensure that the correct measures are being taken to protect residents against this outbreak.