Foodborne illness outbreak in Cape Town restaurant prompts calls for improved food safety
Image: Supplied
Food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of a foodborne disease (FBD) outbreak resulting in the closure of a Cape Town restaurant.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) yesterday released the findings of an investigation into circumstances leading to 46 suspected cases of Shigella spp. or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - closely related bacteria that cause gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, in humans.
Shigella spp. is highly contagious and can result in asymptomatic infection to severe bloody diarrhoea. Fever, headache, malaise and vomiting are often the initial symptoms.
The report details how on February 8, 2024, the Western Cape Provincial Communicable Disease Control Co-ordinator received a notification from the NICD concerning a potential FBD outbreak linked to a restaurant.
'At approximately 10pm, a general practitioner (GP) informed the NICD of two patients who had presented at his practice with severe diarrhoea and high temperatures. The patients reported that they were a party of five, all of whom had consumed prawns during dinner at (the) restaurant."
Three of these patrons were admitted to private hospitals with gastrointestinal symptoms. The GP also informed the restaurant of the cases via email. The City Health Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) were informed on February 9, 2024, and an outbreak investigation and response was initiated.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
'The outbreak investigation and response were conducted to confirm the existence of an outbreak, identify additional cases, identify the source of the outbreak, and implement control measures. On February 10, 2024, two of the hospitalised patients tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.'
Overall, 46 suspected cases were identified: 12 staff members and 34 patrons. Clinical specimens (stool or rectal swabs) were collected from 49 individuals, and 33 tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - 6 patrons and 27 staff members.
Following the incident, an environmental health inspection was done. Ultimately researchers concluded that food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of enteric pathogens during the outbreak.
Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle. While a definitive source of contamination could not be identified, contaminated food or a food handler was likely responsible.
The closure of the restaurant and prompt public and environmental health actions prevented the occurrence of additional cases.
Following investigations, several interventions were implemented, including retraining of staff members on food safety, chemical safety, and effective hand and personal hygiene.
The restaurant was deep-cleaned and disinfected, researchers said.
Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt said: 'Restaurants, tuck shops, and fast-food establishments can all be sources of these illnesses. I hope this study continues the conversation about the risk and importance of foodborne diseases and how they can be prevented. We urgently need national Shigella guidelines to guide outbreak responses. It is also crucial for individuals with foodborne illness to seek healthcare for proper diagnosis and treatment, including specimen collection.'
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Study raises growing danger of foodborne diseases after Cape Town restaurant outbreak
Urgent calls for enhanced hygiene practices across the food industry have been made following findings from a recent study in the Public Health Bulletin South Africa. Image: Pexels / Eric Montanah Last year's outbreak of foodborne illness at a Cape Town restaurant has prompted urgent calls for improved hygiene practices and staff training across the food industry, following the release of a study published this week in the Public Health Bulletin South Africa (PHBSA). The February 2024 outbreak affected 46 people, including 12 restaurant staff and 34 patrons. Laboratory tests confirmed 33 of the cases were caused by Shigella species or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), both of which can cause severe stomach illness. Shigella species refer to a group of bacteria responsible for causing shigellosis, which is a diarrheal illness. Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt said the incident illustrates the growing danger of foodborne diseases in South Africa. 'Globally, 600 million people fall ill and 420,000 die every year after consuming contaminated food. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable, with 137,000 people dying annually in Africa,' she said. She noted that the increase in foodborne illnesses this year contributed to the declaration of a national disaster. 'Restaurants, tuck shops, and fast-food establishments can all be sources of these illnesses,' Bezuidenhoudt said. Inspections at the restaurant revealed poor food storage practices, including overstocked cold storage and failure to use the 'first-in, first-out' method. Although the precise source of contamination could not be confirmed, investigators believe it was likely caused by either a contaminated food item or an infected food handler. 'I hope this study continues the conversation about the risk and importance of foodborne diseases and how they can be prevented. We urgently need national Shigella guidelines to guide outbreak responses,' Bezuidenhoudt said. She also urged people to seek medical care when ill. 'It is crucial for individuals with foodborne illness to seek healthcare for proper diagnosis and treatment, including specimen collection,' she said. According to the Notifiable Medical Conditions system, 437 foodborne outbreaks were reported between 2022 and 2024, but underreporting remains a concern. The public is reminded to practise good food hygiene by washing hands, cleaning surfaces and utensils, separating raw and cooked food, and cooking food thoroughly to at least 75°C. The PHBSA is a joint initiative of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the National Institute for Occupational Health. THE MERCURY
IOL News
18-07-2025
- IOL News
Foodborne illness outbreak in Cape Town restaurant prompts calls for improved food safety
Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle at a Cape Town restaurant. Image: Supplied Food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of a foodborne disease (FBD) outbreak resulting in the closure of a Cape Town restaurant. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) yesterday released the findings of an investigation into circumstances leading to 46 suspected cases of Shigella spp. or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - closely related bacteria that cause gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, in humans. Shigella spp. is highly contagious and can result in asymptomatic infection to severe bloody diarrhoea. Fever, headache, malaise and vomiting are often the initial symptoms. The report details how on February 8, 2024, the Western Cape Provincial Communicable Disease Control Co-ordinator received a notification from the NICD concerning a potential FBD outbreak linked to a restaurant. 'At approximately 10pm, a general practitioner (GP) informed the NICD of two patients who had presented at his practice with severe diarrhoea and high temperatures. The patients reported that they were a party of five, all of whom had consumed prawns during dinner at (the) restaurant." Three of these patrons were admitted to private hospitals with gastrointestinal symptoms. The GP also informed the restaurant of the cases via email. The City Health Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) were informed on February 9, 2024, and an outbreak investigation and response was initiated. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The outbreak investigation and response were conducted to confirm the existence of an outbreak, identify additional cases, identify the source of the outbreak, and implement control measures. On February 10, 2024, two of the hospitalised patients tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.' Overall, 46 suspected cases were identified: 12 staff members and 34 patrons. Clinical specimens (stool or rectal swabs) were collected from 49 individuals, and 33 tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - 6 patrons and 27 staff members. Following the incident, an environmental health inspection was done. Ultimately researchers concluded that food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of enteric pathogens during the outbreak. Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle. While a definitive source of contamination could not be identified, contaminated food or a food handler was likely responsible. The closure of the restaurant and prompt public and environmental health actions prevented the occurrence of additional cases. Following investigations, several interventions were implemented, including retraining of staff members on food safety, chemical safety, and effective hand and personal hygiene. The restaurant was deep-cleaned and disinfected, researchers said. Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt said: 'Restaurants, tuck shops, and fast-food establishments can all be sources of these illnesses. I hope this study continues the conversation about the risk and importance of foodborne diseases and how they can be prevented. We urgently need national Shigella guidelines to guide outbreak responses. It is also crucial for individuals with foodborne illness to seek healthcare for proper diagnosis and treatment, including specimen collection.' Cape Times
IOL News
11-07-2025
- IOL News
Winter wellness checklist: 10 proven tips to keep your family healthy this season
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), seasonal influenza can lead to severe complications, especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions. Image: Andrea Piacquadio/pexels As temperatures fall, colds, flu and viruses tend to emerge everywhere - from school halls and offices to taxis and even our living rooms. And nothing disrupts family life quite like endless sniffles, sick days, and sleepless nights. But here's the good news: with a few mindful habits, winter can become less about coughs and more about comfort, connection and even joy. Here's your easy-to-follow winter wellness checklist, inspired by expert advice and real-life tips that work for South African families. 1. Get your flu shot - it really matters: Flu isn't just a stronger version of the common cold. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), seasonal influenza can lead to severe complications, especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with chronic conditions. Annual flu vaccines can lower your chances of getting the flu, and if you do get sick, it's often milder. Make it a family routine – it protects not just you, but those around you. 2. Wash hands like it matters - because it does: Our hands pick up germs from everywhere - shopping trolleys, school bags, door handles. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reminds us that frequent handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stop viruses from spreading. When soap isn't around, keep a hand sanitiser in your bag or car. And yes, remind the kids (again) not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reminds us that frequent handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stop viruses from spreading. Image: Anna Shvets/pexels 3. Power up your immune system from the inside: Colourful plates aren't just pretty - they help keep your immune system strong. Nutrition experts suggest a mix of fruits, veggies and lean proteins every day. Vitamin D, found in eggs, fatty fish and fortified cereals, is especially important in winter when there's less sunshine. And keep those water bottles close, even mild dehydration can make you feel tired. If you're unsure about supplements, check in with a healthcare provider. 4. Keep moving - even if it's chilly: It's tempting to stay curled up under a blanket, but getting outside (even for 20 minutes) can lift your mood and boost your immune system. Studies from Harvard Medical School show that regular exercise helps white blood cells circulate more efficiently, making them better at fighting off illness. Walk around your local park, kick a ball with the kids, or just stretch on the patio. If getting outside isn't possible, crack open a window for some fresh air. 5. Prioritise mental health and togetherness: Winter's darker days can bring on the blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Psychologists suggest small steps like morning light exposure, connecting with friends, and planning family movie nights or board games to keep spirits high. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) also offers support lines if the mood dips more than expected. 6. Cover sneezes (and make it fun): Kids are more likely to remember health habits when they're fun. Teach them to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow, and don't shy away from making it silly with an exaggerated 'achoo!' This helps stop germs from spreading and keeps school days healthier. 7. Clean high-touch spots regularly: Germs love door handles, TV remotes, and light switches. A quick daily wipe-down with disinfectant can make a surprising difference. Get the kids involved, turn it into a five-minute evening routine with music to keep it fun. 8. Eat smarter, not stricter: Forget 'clean your plate' battles. Dietitians say letting kids decide when they're full teaches healthy habits that last. Use healthier oils like olive or canola when cooking, bake instead of frying, and swap sugary snacks for fruit, nuts or yoghurt. For parents, reading nutrition labels can help pick foods with less salt and sugar. For parents, reading nutrition labels can help pick foods with less salt and sugar. Image: Kindel Media 9. Sleep: your secret winter weapon: Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours for adults and even more for kids and teens. Try to keep bedrooms cool, dark and quiet, and build a relaxing routine; think reading instead of late-night scrolling. 10. Find the little joys: Winter doesn't have to be all about medicine and tissues. Embrace what makes the season cosy: warm soup, soft blankets, shared stories and slower evenings together. As family psychologist Dr Sheryl Ziegler says, 'Small moments of connection often matter more than big plans.'
