Directive issued to address food poisoning at schools

In the wake of a number of food poisoning incidents among schoolchildren, a circular has been issued for the management and control of food vendors.

The KZN Department of Education (DoE) issued the circular after two primary schools in Mtubatuba – KwaZitike and Ngaqa – reported cases of food poisoning, with pupils having to seek medical attention.

ALSO READ: Mtubatuba suspected food poisoning cases rise to 44, prompting investigation

The DoE reminded all schools and governing bodies that they should vet all vendors who sell to pupils while at school.

“[They] should engage owners of shops along the route of learners to schools… regarding the importance of selling healthy snacks to learners and to ascertain that they are buying from reputable retailers,” reads the circular.

This, the department said, would reduce the cases of suspected food poisoning.

ALSO READ: Suspected food poisoning cases at two primary schools in Mtuba

Guidelines for principals and SGBs

1. Register a manageable number of vendors and avail space for them to do business within the school premises.
2. Vet all vendors to avoid letting individuals who may be on the sex offenders register into schools.
3. Discuss with the vendors the healthy snacks they may sell and measures to ensure they procure from reputable wholesalers, observing all relevant health prescripts.
4. Discuss cleanliness in their places of operation to prevent food contamination. Local municipal health offices may be engaged in this regard.
5. Agree on time intervals for spot checks by the principal and/or delegates and SGB members to check the general quality and expiry dates of snacks and other goods.
6. Through the QLTC [Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign], engage local shop owners on the importance of selling healthy goods on school routes.

“Learners must be protected from anything that may compromise their lives. They must therefore be advised to avoid buying from unreliable, dodgy vendors en route to and from schools to protect themselves,” reads the circular.

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