Education department suspends sale of food on school premises until further notice

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

According to the GDE, this decision is informed by the recent and alarming increase in incidents of food-borne illnesses affecting learners across various schools in the province.

So far, 12 children have died across Gauteng due to alleged food poisonings since October.

In October, learners from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Bronkhorstspruit were taken to hospital after suspected food poisoning from snacks bought from vendors outside the school.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners.

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

Mabona said schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuckshops, and other outlets that sell food to learners.

Specifically, schools must ensure:

– Only food of nutritional value is sold within or near school premises.

– No expired or repackaged food items are sold to learners.

– Any individual or business selling food to learners complies with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which governs the safety and acceptability of food.

Schools, SGBs, vendors and traders must familiarise themselves with the provision above. Schools and SGBs are further reminded of prior guidelines issued by the GDE to regulate food sales to learners:

– All food vendors and traders must obtain a Certificate of Acceptability from 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 vendor compliance with these regulations, which include verification that all food items are properly barcoded and sourced from reputable suppliers.

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane said his department calls on schools to enforce these guidelines rigorously.

He said 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,” said Chiloane.

He also encouraged schools to engage community organisations and other stakeholders, including small business associations, to foster a collaborative effort to prevent further food-borne illness.

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