The Gauteng Department of Education has lifted the ban on the sale of food at schools in the province. This comes after the department had banned all food sales earlier this month following a spate of food poisoning that affected school children in the province.
COMPLIANCE IS A MUST
Education spokesperson Steve Mabona explained that the ban on food sales in schools is lifted; however, compliance requirements must be adhered to by all vendors, tuck shops and traders to regulate food sales and ensure that food is free from harmful substances and is properly handled and stored to prevent contamination, spoilage or the risk of causing illness. "The Department of Basic Education has issued a Circular on Incidents of Food Poisoning, which serves as a guiding framework for schools, vendors and school communities regarding food sales. To ensure the safety and health of learners in Gauteng schools, specific compliance requirements have been introduced to regulate food sales on school premises," said Mabona.
Some of the requirements are that all tuck shops, traders and vendors must comply with legal requirements, by-laws and food management regulations to operate on school premises. Unregistered sellers must register with the relevant authorities within 21 days, effective from Friday, 15 November 2024; vendors operating on school premises are required to obtain a valid certificate of acceptability (CoA); and districts and schools must ensure that all food vendors within the school premises have a verified CoA. Mabona added that districts and schools are also required to implement specific measures, which include submitting daily reports on food-related incidents using a standardised template, sharing food safety tips and awareness materials to prevent foodborne illnesses and following the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Guidelines. "Schools are also instructed to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing suspected food poisoning cases to ensure swift and effective responses," he said.
FOLLOW THE RULES
Mabona urged all schools to enforce all guidelines and regulations strictly. "Any instances of non-compliance should be reported promptly to the relevant district office or the Consumer Goods Council. Should there be concerns about the hygiene or safety of foods, the local authority or EHP must be contacted for inspection and where required, an inspection report be issued."
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane said parents and communities are encouraged to work together to ensure compliance with these measures and maintain a safe learning environment for all. He added that the department has the best interests of learners at heart and will by all means protect them. "The Department remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of learners. Schools, parents, and communities are encouraged to work together to ensure compliance with these measures and maintain a safe learning environment for all," he said.
