By Delisa Thwala
… Handy Andy is used to remove expiry dates
Students at primary schools are being offered expired food items, including chocolates and sweets.
This situation endangers the health of the children, as many wrapped products have had their expiry dates erased.
For instance, in some chocolate items, the expiry dates on the wrappers have been completely removed.
These expired items are sold by vendors who typically set up shop at school gates and along the perimeter.
Alarmingly, some vendors even allow students to take items on credit due to their desperation for sales.
Parents have expressed their concerns in a Facebook group called ‘Mommy Club,’ reporting that vendors frequently restock their expired products.
During a visit to several schools near Mbabane CBD on Thursday and Friday, this reporter observed numerous vendors actively selling outside school grounds, with students eagerly flocking to their stalls.
Among the items found were Cadbury chocolate bars, Clorets gum, bakery goods, and various non-edible items like watches, wallets, rings, and sunglasses.
Some of these products are also available at the Mbabane Bus Rank, where vendors operate legally.
When questioned about selling potentially harmful products to students, one vendor stated, “We buy them at low prices from a shop in Sidwashini, and selling them allows us to make a better profit. It’s what we can afford.”
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However, she could not provide specific information regarding the expiry dates, even after this reporter purchased a chocolate bar and discovered that the expiry date had been removed.
A parent shared that some vendors use Handy Andy, a household cleaning detergent, to scrub off these dates.
“My child, who is in grade six, became ill and suffered a breakout after eating candy bars from one of the vendors at her school.
The nurses diagnosed it as mild poisoning affecting her stomach lining,” the parent explained.
Several teachers also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. One noted, “These vendors are quite persistent.
They used to sell inside the school grounds but were removed by the Principal, and we thought that would resolve the issue, but we were wrong.”
Another teacher, identified as Shongwe, remarked, “I believe the problem has now surpassed the school’s control since they are no longer on the premises. Perhaps the City Council could help address the issue.”
An anonymous female teacher expressed concern, stating, “This has become a serious problem because just two weeks ago, three students in my class complained of stomach aches immediately after recess. This is a significant issue.”
Linda Thwala, the headteacher of Herman Gmeiner (SOS) Primary School, confirmed that similar incidents have occurred.
Thwala mentioned that they are attempting to manage the situation by regulating the number of vendors allowed near the school.
He further stated that, with the support of the school committee, they plan to eliminate vendors entirely and possibly turn the matter over to the Municipal Council.
Thwala emphasized that this practice jeopardizes the health of young students and raises concerns among parents, teachers, and authorities.
“While snacks and drinks may seem like harmless treats for children during breaks, selling expired goods poses a serious health risk.
Consuming expired food can lead to various health issues, ranging from mild stomach discomfort to severe food poisoning,” Thwala noted.
In a recent incident in South Africa, the tragic deaths of 12 children who consumed expired goods sold by street vendors highlighted the urgency of this issue.
This prompted the South African President to call for stricter regulations and monitoring of vendors to prevent similar occurrences.
In Eswatini, authorities are also becoming aware of the problem, recognizing the need for improved supervision and enforcement of food safety regulations.
Nevertheless, the lack of proper oversight remains a considerable challenge, allowing vendors to sell expired goods to children without facing consequences.
One parent expressed frustration, stating that it is unacceptable for children to be exposed to such risks.
“These vendors are prioritizing profit over our children’s health and well-being.
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We can no longer stand by and let this happen. The government must take immediate action to safeguard our children and hold these vendors accountable,” said a parent in the Mommy Club group.
Another parent added, “Our children are our future. How can we expect them to thrive when they are being poisoned by the food they consume? The sale of expired food to our children is a clear indication of our societal failure.”
These vendors are also accused of targeting innocent children.
One vendor, when contacted for comment, stated that they feel unfairly labeled and that it is not right to generalize their actions.
“We are all trying to make a living. Before we are vendors, we are also parents, and many of us are not in the business of deceiving anyone,” said the vendor.
It is crucial to note that consuming expired products can lead to serious health complications, especially in young children with developing immune systems.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of parents and school officials remaining vigilant and reporting any instances of expired goods being sold in schools to the proper authorities.
“Parents should educate their children on the importance of checking expiration dates before consuming food.
Additionally, symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be sought immediately,” warned the health officer.
