Health Department confirms that Sebokeng Hospital does not serve rotten food to patients.
Current Affairs S.APosted by admin on 2025-11-09 01:06:48 | Last Updated by admin on 2025-12-08 05:43:42
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SEBOKENG.- The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has vehemently denied claims that patients at the Sebokeng Hospital are being fed rotten food, made from rotten ingredients.
This follows (social) media reports alleging unhygienic kitchen conditions and expired food being served to patients, unsafe working conditions, and unprofessional conduct by the acting CEO, Dr Peter Motlhaoleng. The GDoH assured the public that patients continue to receive meals three times a day, and that it takes the concerns raised by the kitchen staff seriously and has taken measures to ensure their safety and well-being are of top priority.
“Currently, the hospital’s main kitchen is undergoing renovations, which are 80% complete. In the interim, a makeshift kitchen is used to ensure the ongoing provision of meals for patients. While this space is not ideal, it is being operated under strict compliance with health and safety regulations,” the department said.
To ensure the safety and well-being of kitchen staff, the GDoH said, “The hospital management has arranged for a clinical psychologist to provide debriefing sessions following a reported incident whereby a staff member was allegedly shocked by exposed electrical wiring in the makeshift kitchen. The Occupational Health and Safety team is investigating this matter.”
The department added that kitchen staff have been temporarily removed from the makeshift kitchen, and arrangements have been made with Masakhane Cook Freeze to deliver meals for lunch and supper.
“Additionally, Kopanong Hospital will also provide kitchen space to prepare breakfast and defrost meals for patients.”
In terms of food safety practices, the health department disputes claims that the hospital feeds patients expired food.
“The pictures circulating in the media were taken during the condemnation process that was conducted last week, as per the norm to ensure that expired food items are removed.”
The GDoH emphasised that the hospital adheres to a First Expiry, First Out (FEFO) inventory management system to ensure that food and grocery items are used in order of their expiry dates.
“This method enables the facility to maintain a high standard of food safety through proactive monitoring.”
