Schools must suspend sale of food

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food in and around school premises until further notice.

The GDE’s decision follows a recent increase in incidents of foodborne illnesses affecting learners in various schools, which have led to the loss of lives and illnesses among learners.

To further protect the safety of learners, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane advised schools and school governing bodies (SGBs) to issue a circular to parents, encouraging them to prioritise preparing meals for their children at home.

“Parents must avoid giving money to learners until the relevant authorities issue updated guidelines for food vendors,” said Chiloane.

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Chiloane encouraged schools to engage community organisations, education stakeholders and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts to prevent further incidents.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is implementing measures to safeguard the health and well-being of the learners.

“Schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuck-shops and other outlets that sell food to learners. Schools must ensure that nutritional value food is sold in or near school premises and that no expired or repackaged food items are sold to learners,” said Mabona.

Mabona further said any individuals or businesses selling food to learners must comply with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which governs the safety and acceptability of food.

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“The schools, SGBs, vendors and traders must familiarise themselves with these provisions,” said Mabona.

The department emphasised that schools and SGBs must ensure food vendors and traders get a Certificate of Acceptability at their local health department’s environmental health division before selling food to learners.

“Food premises or stalls must be inspected and approved before operating.”

Mabona said SGBs are responsible for ensuring vendors’ compliance with these regulations, which include verifying that all food items are correctly barcoded and sourced from reputable suppliers.

“Instances of non-compliance must be reported immediately to the Gauteng East district and the Department of Health.”