The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises until further notice.
Earlier this week, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed concern regarding the recurrence of foodborne illnesses reported among learners at schools in the Province. The latest reported incident involved 110 learners reporting symptoms of stomach cramps and vomiting after consuming food at school.
The Department is deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners. In response, we are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and well-being of our learners.
Food safety at schools in South Africa has been placed under the spotlight following the tragic death of six children. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that learners died of organophosphate poisoning. Organophosphate is not a single substance but a group of chemicals used in agriculture or as pesticides. The specific organophosphate identified in the case of the six learners is called Terbufos.
The GDE instructed schools and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to monitor and regulate vendors, tuck shops and other outlets that sell food. Schools are instructed to ensure only food with nutritional value is sold in and around schools.
No expired or repackaged food items may be sold to learners.
Enforcement Of Legislation Over School Food Sales
Schools must also ensure any individual or business selling food to learners complies with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018.
Regulation 638 mandates strict hygiene standards for food premises and transportation, as detailed by the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972.
Key elements of the regulation include obtaining a Certificate of Acceptability for food premises, enforcing hygiene practices for food handlers, and setting sanitary standards for equipment and storage conditions.
R638 compliance requires individuals in charge to undergo accredited training, emphasising their responsibility to maintain food safety on-site.
The Regulation also states that food premises or stalls must be inspected and approved before they can begin selling food products to learners.
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.
The Department has called on schools to enforce these guidelines rigorously.
Instances of non-compliance must be reported immediately to both District Offices and the Department of Health.
The GDE called on SGBs to issue a circular to parents encouraging them to prepare meals at home as opposed to giving their children tuckshop money until these resolutions are fully enforced.
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 illnesses.
