The Ministry of Health on Monday, February 10, 2025, issued a statement over a suspected food poisoning incident at St. Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Embu County.
According to the Principal Secretary (PS) for Public Health and Professional Standards in the Ministry of Health Kenya Mary Muthoni Muriuki, students from the said school experienced severe stomach pains, diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming meat.
In her statement, Mary Muthoni noted that preliminary findings established that the meat may have been contaminated.
“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 diarrhoea and vomiting and developed severe stomach pains after consuming a common meal at the school. Preliminary findings suggest that the students may consumed contaminated beef,” PS Muthoni stated.
Assurance to parents
Following the incident which triggered tension, the Ministry of Health assured parents and other stakeholders that the situation was under control.
PS Muthoni announced that affected students received medical attention and were out of danger.
Further, she confirmed that her department was working with Embu County leadership to get to the bottom of the issue.
“The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards is working closely with the County Government of Embu to address 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. 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,” MOH added.
Instructions to other schools
In light of the suspected food poisoning incident in Embu, the Ministry of Health directed schools 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.
Further, MOH reminded school heads to prioritize the health and safety of students by implementing robust food safety protocols and ensuring a clean, safe and hygienic.
“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,” PS Muthoni insisted.
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