Gauteng Education halts the sale of food on school premises

The Gauteng Department of Education has directed schools to temporarily suspend the sale of food on and around school premises following several reports of suspected food poisoning incidents.

Several learners were admitted to hospital, and others died after consuming various food items bought from local spaza shops and food vendors within or outside school premises, especially in Gauteng.

SALE OF FOOD WITHIN OR AROUND GAUTENG SCHOOLS SUSPENDED

The Gauteng Department of Education said the decision is in response to the recent and alarming increase in incidents of foodborne illnesses affecting learners across various schools in the province.

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

In response, Mabona said they 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. 

Specifically, schools must ensure:

1. Only food of nutritional value is sold within or near school premises.
2. No expired or repackaged food items are sold to learners.
3. Any individual or business selling food to learners complies with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which governs the safety and acceptability of food.
4. Schools, SGBs vendors, and traders must familiarise themselves with the provisions above.

Additionally, Mabona said schools and SGBs are further reminded of prior guidelines issued by the Gauteng Department of Education to regulate food sales to learners:

• 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.