Only compliant food traders allowed within schools – GDE

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has announced updated measures to regulate food sales within schools in the province, ensuring the health and safety of learners.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on November 15, highlighting recent child fatalities linked to foodborne illnesses.

Aligned with the President’s concerns, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has issued a circular on incidents of food poisoning to guide schools, vendors, and communities in managing food safety.

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To safeguard learners, the GDE has outlined specific measures for food vendors, tuck shops, and traders operating on school premises:

Registration: unregistered vendors must register with relevant authorities within 21 days of November 15.

Certificates of acceptability (CoA): vendors must obtain a CoA, as mandated by the Food Stuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, and confirm this with Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs).

Verification: school districts must ensure all vendors hold valid CoAs and operate in compliance with by-laws and food safety regulations.

School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and School Management Teams (SMTs) are tasked with enforcing these measures, ensuring:

Vendors source food from reputable suppliers.

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Food safety tips are shared with learners and staff.

Schools follow National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing suspected food poisoning cases.

Daily reporting on food-related incidents and strict adherence to all safety protocols are required.

Non-compliance must be reported to district offices or the Consumer Goods Council via 0800 041 856 or consumer@gauteng.gov.za.

For further information, contact Steve Mabona at 072 574 3860 or Xolani Mkhwemte at 084 513 9285.