Tunisia Grapples with Rising Food Poisoning Cases in Schools and Universities

A recent incident at a secondary school in Makthar, Siliana governorate, left 11 students hospitalized with symptoms of food poisoning, including abdominal pain and vomiting, after consuming a meal at the school's boarding house. The students' health was reported to be stable, according to Adnane Laâbidi, regional coordinator of the National Instance of Food Safety and Sanitary Control (Insspa).

This incident is not an isolated case, as 22 students from a pilot school in Sidi Bouzid were hospitalized a few days earlier with similar symptoms. The students were treated and released from the hospital after receiving medical attention. In both cases, investigations were launched to determine the cause of the food poisoning and identify those responsible.

Food poisoning cases have been reported in various parts of Tunisia, including Kasserine, where 26 students were hospitalized in October 2022 after consuming a meal at a local school. In 2021, six students in Sbeitla, Kasserine, were poisoned after eating a bean sauce, while in 2013, 58 students in Sbiba were hospitalized after consuming expired canned sardines.

The frequency of these incidents has raised concerns over the safety of food served in schools and universities, as well as the effectiveness of food safety controls. Many cases of food poisoning go unreported, and even when reported, they often do not result in any action being taken against those responsible.

The lack of transparency and traceability in the food supply chain has been cited as a major concern, making it difficult to determine the origin and quality of food consumed. The Insspa and hygiene control brigades have seized thousands of tons of expired or spoiled products, but few cases have resulted in prosecutions.

The Tunisian authorities face mounting pressure to take action to address the issue of food poisoning, which has become a recurring problem in the country. With many questions still unanswered, the public is calling for greater accountability and action to ensure that food served in schools and universities is safe for consumption.

To address the issue, the authorities must take a comprehensive approach that includes improving food safety controls, increasing transparency in the food supply chain, and holding those responsible for food poisoning incidents accountable. This can be achieved through stricter regulations, better enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.

Key points

• The Tunisian authorities need to take action to address the issue of food poisoning in schools and universities.
• Food safety controls and regulations need to be strengthened.
• There is a need for greater transparency and accountability in the food supply chain.