Departments give update on food ban amid rising poisoning cases

In response to the growing incidents of foodborne illnesses among pupils in various schools across the country, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) suspended the sale of food in and around schools in the province early this month.

The intervention saw strong criticism from some traders and organisations, which called it drastic and unfair.

However, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s food safety address last week, yesterday, the GDE gave an update on the sale of food within schools in the province by food vendors, tuck shops and traders.

“In line with the president’s address, compliance requirements must be adhered to by all vendors, tuck shops and traders to regulate food sales on school premises and ensure food is free from harmful substances and properly handled and stored to prevent contamination, spoilage or the risk of causing illness,” said the department.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) issued a Circular of Incidents of Food Poisoning, a guiding framework for schools, vendors and school communities regarding food sales.

Requirements

Specific compliance requirements were introduced to regulate food sales on school premises to ensure the safety and health of learners in Gauteng schools:

• All tuck shops, traders and vendors must comply with the legal requirements, by-laws and food management regulations to operate on school premises
• Unregistered sellers must register with the relevant authorities within 21 days, effective November 15.
• Vendors operating on school premises must obtain a valid Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), as per the Food Stuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act and the General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters (Regulations No. 638 of 22, June 2018).
• Districts and schools must ensure all food vendors within the school premises have verified CoAs
• CoAs must be verified and can be confirmed by an environmental health practitioner (EHP) at your respective municipal office.

The department said tuck shops, vendors and traders may operate on school premises only if they comply with these requirements, as per the regulations, or after completing necessary verification and compliance.

School governing bodies (SGBs) and school management teams (SMTs) are reminded of their responsibility to ensure food vendors comply with all guidelines and regulations, including verifying that food items are sourced from reputable suppliers and do not contain harmful substances.

Any instances of non-compliance should be reported promptly to the relevant District Office or the Consumer Goods Council on 0800 041 856, 011 355 8006 or consumer@gauteng.gov.za

Should there be concerns about the hygiene or safety of foods, contact the local authority or EHP for inspection and when required, an inspection report be issued.