Food poisoning impacts on school teaching and learning

The basic education department said the increasing reports of food poisoning have disrupted teaching and learning as the majority of the cases affected pupils during school hours.

- Faizel Patel

The department has raised its concern about several food poisoning cases which have had an impact on learning, saying school time had been directed towards assisting the affected pupils with medical attention.

At least seven children have died and dozens of others were hospitalized across Gauteng after eating snacks predominantly from spaza shops. The pupils experienced symptoms such as stomach cramps and vomiting.

Basic education department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the psychosocial impact of food poisoning incidents continued to have negative effects on pupils and teachers.

Mhlanga said schools and communities in general are places where children should "feel and be safe".