The Ministry of Health has issued five directives to schools following the suspected food poisoning of 68 students at St Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu over the weekend.
In a notice issued on Monday, February 10, the Ministry noted that the directives are aimed at helping combat rampant food poisoning in schools.
The directives were also issued to school heads, vendors operating near schools, public health officers responsible for sanitation in schools, and all health facilities.
"The Ministry of Health has received reports about the suspected food poisoning incident that occurred at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County. Students are reported to have experienced episodes of diarrhea and vomiting and developed severe stomach pains after consuming a common meal at the school. Preliminary findings suggest that the students may have consumed contaminated beef," part of the statement signed by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni read.
To begin with, schools have been directed to strictly adhere to the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety, and Quality Guidelines and implement proper hygiene and sanitation practices in all food handling areas.
The second directive to school heads was to prioritise the health and safety of students by implementing robust food safety protocols and ensuring a clean, safe, and hygienic learning environment.
Food operators have also been urged to ensure the safety and quality of all food products supplied to schools.
As for public health officials responsible for sanitation in schools, they have been asked to intensify food inspections and enforce regulations as per the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254) and the Public Health Act (Cap 242) of the Laws of Kenya.
Lastly, all health facilities have been urged to maintain high levels of preparedness to respond effectively to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.
“Furthermore, the general public is hereby informed that this incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to strict food safety protocols throughout the entire food chain,” part of the statement referring to the food poisoning incident read.
In the interim, the ministry has confirmed that the Public Health Department is working closely with the Embu County Government to resolve the situation.
“The general public, parents, and students are hereby assured that the situation is under control and there should be no panic over the same. The affected students have received the necessary medical attention and are out of danger,” the statement concluded.
On Friday, February 7, the students were rushed to the Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital to receive treatment when they started exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning. However, three of them were moved to Embu Level 5 hospital for specialised care.
The school had slaughtered a bull to celebrate last year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results. According to the Principal, the Form Four students and two teachers had feasted on the head of the animal resulting in the incident.
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