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By Lungile Ntimba
The Gauteng education department has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises until further notice.
This follows the death of at least eight learners and hundreds of others being admitted to hospital in the province due to suspected food poisoning after buying snacks from vendors.
“The department is deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners,” department spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Friday.
“In response, we are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our learners.,
Mabona said schools and school governing bodies (SGBs) have been instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuckshops and other outlets that sell food to learners.
He said in a statement that only food of “nutritional value” could be sold within or near school premises, and expired or repackaged food items could not be sold.
Mabona emphasised that any individual or business selling food to learners must comply with Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, which governed the safety and acceptability of food.
“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,” he said.
He added that food stalls would have to be inspected and approved before they could operate.
“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,” he said.
The department has instructed all schools to rigorously enforce these guidelines.
“Instances of non-compliance must be reported immediately to both the district office and the department of health.”
Education MEC Matome Chiloane has advised schools and SGBs to issue a circular to parents, encouraging them to prepare meals at home instead of providing lunch money.
This was until the relevant authorities issued 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 Chiloane.