Media Statement: Nine children experience severe stomach cramps after consuming chips in Mossel Bay – they are fine now

18 November 2024

Earlier today, nine (9) children from the Mossel Bay area shared packets of chips that they bought from a spaza shop, which resulted in them experiencing persistent stomach cramps. They were immediately taken to a local hospital for medical attention.

According to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the children received prompt care, with their parents/guardians by their side throughout the ordeal. Medical staff confirmed that all 9 children have since recovered and discharged.”

“Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the GRDM have already initiated an investigation into the incident. The chips will be sent to a laboratory and test results will be made public once received back as part of the standard procedures followed by EHPs,” said Stroebel.

Further updates will be provided when more information becomes available.

Please continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods. Members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

E-mail: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
E-mail: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
E-mail: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
E-mail: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
E-mail: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
E-mail: haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale

Issued by GRDM Communications