Gauteng Education bans school food sales

In an effort to protect South African children’s lives from harm, the sale of food within and around schools in the Gauteng province have been barred by the Gauteng Department of Education.

In a statement, the department bemoans the recent spate of food contamination incidents, which have affected many children around the country, resulting in the hospitalisation of pupils and the demise of some.

The department says the devastating wave is of great concern. It has subsequently ordered schools and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) with the task of meticulously monitoring and regulating vendors, tuck shops, and other outlets, which sell food to school children.

“Schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor vendors, tuck shops, and other outlets that sell food to learners,” says the spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, Steve Mabona.

“Schools must ensure that only food of nutritional value is sold within or near school premises. No expired or repacked food items should be sold to learners.”

The department cautions that it is the responsibility of every type of consumables business, school, and SGBs to acquaint themselves with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which governs safety and accessibility of food to ensure compliance.

The department says before sales can be allowed again within and around school premises to pupils, guidelines set out by the department need to be adhered to.

“All food vendors and traders must obtain a Certificate of Acceptability by contacting their local Health Department’s Environmental Health Division. Food premises and stalls need to be inspected and approved before operating. SGBs are also responsible for ensuring vendors’ compliance with these regulations, which include verification that all food items are properly barcoded and sourced from reputable sources,” adds Mabona.

Rigorous enforcement of these guidelines is advised by the Gauteng Department of Health, warning that non-compliance will be reported to the District Office and the Gauteng Health.

Parents are further encouraged to prepare homemade nutritional meals for their children, in lieu of offering them money to buy food.

“Additionally, schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders, and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts aimed at preventing incidents of foodborne illnesses” says Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane. Written by Odirile Rabolao