Several children in South Africa have been hospitalized after suffering severe food poisoning from consuming substandard snacks, sparking nationwide concern about food safety.

The troubling incident occurred when a group of schoolchildren in Gauteng province reportedly ate snacks purchased from a local vendor near their school.

Shortly after consuming the snacks, the children began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, and diarrhea, prompting urgent hospitalization.

Medical professionals attending to the affected children quickly identified the cause as acute food poisoning linked directly to contaminated or expired ingredients used in the snacks.

Health authorities have launched a swift investigation, immediately confiscating batches of similar snacks from local vendors and markets for laboratory testing.

Initial reports indicate that the snacks were manufactured in unsanitary conditions and potentially contained harmful bacteria or expired ingredients.

Authorities have warned parents and schools across the region to be cautious about food products bought from street vendors or unauthorized sellers, urging them to verify product quality and expiration dates carefully.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with parents demanding tighter regulations and frequent inspections to ensure food safety standards are strictly enforced, especially in areas frequented by children.

The government has responded swiftly, promising stricter enforcement of food safety laws and penalties against vendors who violate health codes.

Meanwhile, all affected children are receiving medical treatment, and health officials have assured the public that they are expected to recover fully.

However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved food safety measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly young children.