Govt Issues Five School Directives After 68 Students Suffer Food Poisoning at St. Thomas Aquinas.
The Ministry of Health has introduced five directives for schools after a suspected food poisoning incident affected 68 students at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu over the weekend.
A notice released on Monday, February 10, stated that the new measures aim to curb the rising cases of food poisoning in learning institutions.
These guidelines have been directed at school administrators, vendors operating near schools, public health officers responsible for sanitation, and all health facilities.
The Ministry of Health reported that students at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School suffered from diarrhea, vomiting, and severe stomach pains after consuming a shared meal at the school.
Preliminary investigations indicated that contaminated beef was the likely cause of the outbreak, according to a statement issued by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
Key Directives for Schools and Health Officials
Schools have been instructed to strictly comply with the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety, and Quality Guidelines. Additionally, institutions must implement proper hygiene and sanitation protocols in all food preparation and handling areas.
Another directive requires school heads to prioritize students’ health and safety by enforcing robust food safety measures and maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic learning environment.
Food operators supplying institutions have been urged to ensure that all food products meet safety and quality standards before being delivered to schools.
Public health officers responsible for school sanitation must enhance food inspections and enforce regulations under the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254) and the Public Health Act (Cap 242) of Kenyan law.
Health facilities have also been instructed to maintain a high level of preparedness to respond swiftly and effectively to foodborne illnesses and potential outbreaks.
Public Awareness and Government Response
The Ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to strict food safety protocols throughout the food supply chain, citing the incident as a critical reminder of the need for stringent regulations.
Meanwhile, the ministry has assured the public that the Public Health Department is collaborating with the Embu County Government to address the situation.
Officials stated that parents and students should remain calm as the matter is under control. They confirmed that the affected students have received medical treatment and are no longer in danger.
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On Friday, February 7, students displaying symptoms of food poisoning were rushed to Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital for medical attention. However, three individuals required specialized treatment and were transferred to Embu Level 5 Hospital.
The school had slaughtered a bull in celebration of the previous year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results. According to the Principal, the Form Four students and two teachers who consumed the animal’s head later fell ill.
Govt Issues Five School Directives After 68 Students Suffer Food Poisoning at St. Thomas Aquinas.
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