Nine Children Recover After Eating Contaminated Chips in Mossel Bay

In a distressing incident in Mossel Bay, nine children fell ill with severe stomach cramps after consuming potato chips purchased from a local spaza shop. The event, which unfolded on November 18, 2024, prompted immediate hospitalization of the affected children, who have since made a full recovery.

The children, who had shared several packets of chips, began experiencing the symptoms shortly after consumption. Alerted to the severity of their condition, they were rushed to a nearby hospital. Thanks to the quick response of medical personnel and the presence of their guardians, all were treated successfully and were able to return home.

Andrew Stroebel, Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has confirmed that an investigation led by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) is currently underway. The questionable chips are being analyzed in a laboratory to pinpoint the exact cause of the contamination. Mayor Stroebel assured the public that the results of this analysis would be made publicly available as part of the municipality's commitment to transparency and public health safety.

The GRDM's Municipal Health Services are handling the situation with high priority, recognizing the potential risks of counterfeit or improperly handled food products. This incident has raised concerns about food safety standards and regulatory compliance among small-scale retailers.

Residents and shop owners are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food items to the local South African Police Service (SAPS) or directly to the GRDM's health services. With community cooperation, authorities are determined to prevent such incidents from reoccurring and safeguard public health.

Further updates will be provided by the GRDM as more information becomes available.