GDE introduces compliance requirements for schools

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has issued an update regarding the sale of food on school premises.

Following the president’s address on November 15, the GDE issued a Circular of Incidents of Food Poisoning. According to the GDE, this serves as a framework for schools, vendors and school communities regarding food sales.

The department has introduced specific compliance requirements to regulate food sales on school premises:

• All tuck shops, traders, and vendors must comply with 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 from November 15

• Vendors operating on school premises are required to 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 that all food vendors within the school premises are in possession of a verified CoA

• CoAs must be verified and can be confirmed by an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) at your respective municipal office

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Tuck shops, vendors and traders may proceed to operate on school premises only if they comply with these requirements. School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams are reminded of their responsibility to ensure food vendors comply with all guidelines and regulations.

The GDE districts and schools are required to implement specific measures, including submitting daily reports on food-related incidents using a standardised template, sharing food safety tips and awareness materials to prevent foodborne illnesses, and following the National School Nutrition Programme Guidelines.

“Schools are urged to enforce all guidelines and regulations strictly. Schools, parents and communities are encouraged to work together to ensure compliance with these measures and maintain a safe learning environment for all,” Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said.

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

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

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