Concerns Raised Over Food Safety Following Pupil’s Death Linked to Spaza Shop Snack
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that a Grade 10 student from Orange Farm Secondary School, located south of Johannesburg, passed away after reportedly consuming snacks bought from a nearby spaza shop.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday and has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of food purchased from unauthorized vendors. According to reports, the pupil fell ill soon after eating the snacks and was taken to a local clinic, where she was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival. The school received official notification of the incident on Monday.
Matome Chiloane, the Gauteng Education MEC, expressed profound sorrow over the situation, stating, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, the school community, and all those affected by this tragic incident.”
In light of this tragedy, Chiloane has urged parents, students, and community members to exercise greater caution when buying food, particularly from informal or unregulated sellers. He highlighted the significant health risks associated with unauthorized food items, especially from spaza shops that lack proper oversight.
“It is unfortunate that we are still witnessing tragic outcomes from the consumption of unverified food items. We implore communities to be vigilant and protect our children from preventable dangers, particularly from unauthorized spaza shops,” he remarked.
The incident has reignited concerns regarding food safety standards in informal businesses, especially in areas where children depend on local vendors for affordable snacks. Chiloane stated that they will collaborate closely with health and law enforcement agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pupil’s death and ensure adherence to safety regulations.
The public is encouraged to…
