Gauteng Health denies claims of rotten food at Sebokeng Hospital

Mapaballo Borotho

quality of food due to loadshedding — Image: Adobe Stock

The Gauteng Department of Health has denied allegations that Sebokeng Hospital serves rotten food to patients.
It clarified that viral images were taken during a routine food disposal process, not meal preparation.
Meanwhile, kitchen staff have been temporarily relocated after an electrical incident, with external caterers now providing meals.

The Gauteng Department of Health has dismissed allegations that patients at Sebokeng Regional Hospital are being served rotten food prepared from expired ingredients.

This follows viral social media claims suggesting that the hospital’s kitchen is unhygienic and that expired food is being given to patients.

In a statement, the department assured the public that all patients continue to receive three nutritious meals a day and that concerns raised by staff are being addressed with urgency.

“The Department refutes claims that patients are being fed expired food. The pictures circulating online were taken during a routine condemnation process last week, which ensures that expired food items are properly removed,” the statement read.

The department further clarified that the hospital’s main kitchen is currently under renovation, now 80% complete, and a temporary kitchen is being used in the meantime under strict health and safety compliance.

Following an incident where a staff member was allegedly shocked by exposed electrical wiring in the temporary kitchen, the department arranged debriefing sessions with a clinical psychologist and launched an investigation through its Occupational Health and Safety team.

“As a precautionary measure, kitchen staff have been temporarily removed from the makeshift kitchen, and Masakhane Cook Freeze has been contracted to supply lunch and supper to ensure uninterrupted meal services,” the department confirmed.