The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) announced this morning that it has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises until further notice.

According to GDE spokesperson, Steven Mabona, the decision was made following the recent alarming increase in incidents of foodborne illnesses affecting learners across various schools in the province.

“The Department is deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners,” said Mabona.

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“In response, we are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and well-being of our learners.

“Schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuckshops, and other outlets that sell food to learners,” he added.

In a statement released by the department, it is stipulated that schools must ensure that only food of nutritional value is sold within or near school premises and no expired or repackaged food items are sold to learners.

Schools must also ensure that any individual or business selling food to learners complies with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which governs the safety and acceptability of food.

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Schools and SGBs were instructed to follow guidelines issued by the GDE to regulate food sales to learners.

These include that:

• All food vendors and traders must obtain a Certificate of Acceptability by contacting their local Health Department’s Environmental Health Division before selling any food to learners.
• Food premises or stalls must be inspected and approved before operating.
• SGBs are responsible for ensuring vendors’ compliance with these regulations, which include verification that all food items are properly barcoded and sourced from reputable suppliers.

The GDE has called on schools to enforce these guidelines rigorously.

“Instances of non-compliance must be reported immediately to both the District Office and the Department of Health.”

“To further protect learners, schools and SGBs are advised to issue a circular to parents, encouraging them to prepare meals at home instead of providing lunch money, until the relevant authorities issue updated guidelines for food vendors.

“Additionally, schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders, and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts aimed at preventing further incidents of foodborne illness,” said Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.