Following the spate of food poisoning incidents in and around school premises in Gauteng, the provincial Department of Education has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food until further notice. Learners from across the province have been affected by incidents of death and illness being reported almost weekly.
DAMAGE CONTROL
The department spokesperson Steve Mabona said they are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and well-being of learners. "Schools and School Governing Bodies are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuckshops and other outlets that sell food to learners," he said. Specifically, schools must ensure, "That 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," Mabona said in a statement.
REQUIREMENTS
Mabona said 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," he said. The department calls on schools to enforce these guidelines rigorously. "To further protect the safety of 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. Additionally, schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts aimed at preventing further incidents of food borne illness," said Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.
