Schools nationwide directed to comply with food safety guidelines after 68 Embu students fall ill
The affected students, all in Form Four, developed severe stomach pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting after eating meat prepared at the school.
All 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 directive follows a suspected food poisoning incident at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County, where 68 students fell ill after consuming contaminated beef.
The affected students, all in Form Four, developed severe stomach pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting after eating meat prepared at the school.
In a statement on Monday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni assured parents and the public that the situation was under control and that the affected students had received medical attention. She emphasised the importance of upholding strict food safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The affected students have received the necessary medical attention and are out of danger. Further, 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. Schools are advised to strictly adhere to the Kenya School Meals, Food Safety and Quality Guidelines and to implement proper hygiene and sanitation practices in all food handling areas,” Muthoni said.
According to the school principal, Paul Mwaniki, the students are believed to have slaughtered a bull, after which they consumed its meat before developing symptoms. As the number of affected learners increased, the school arranged for their transfer to Kiritiri Sub-County Hospital following initial admission to a local private facility.
The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, in collaboration with the Embu County Government, noted that it is addressing the situation. Schools have been reminded to prioritise the health and safety of students by maintaining strict hygiene in food preparation areas.
Additionally, food suppliers to schools have been instructed to ensure the quality and safety of their products, while Public Health Officers responsible for school sanitation and food safety must intensify inspections and enforce regulations under the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act and the Public Health Act.
“Food Business Operators must ensure the safety and quality of all food products supplied to schools. Public Health Officers in charge of school sanitation and food safety must 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,” she said.
Health facilities across the country have also been directed to remain on high alert and enhance preparedness for potential foodborne illness outbreaks.
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