Gauteng Education directs schools to f

The decision follows the recent and alarming increase in the number of foodborne illnesses among students at several schools in the province.

So far, 12 children have died since October due to suspected food poisoning.

The recent incident took place in Katlehong on the East Rand, where more than 100 students from Tamaho Primary School were hospitalized after falling ill with a suspected food-borne illness.

Gauteng Ministry of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says the department is implementing immediate measures to protect the health and wellbeing of students.

“Schools and SGBs are directed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, shops and other outlets selling food to students. The ministry calls on schools to rigorously enforce these guidelines. Cases of non-compliance should be immediately reported to both the district office and the Ministry of Health.”

In concrete terms, schools must ensure:

1. Only food with nutritional value is sold inside or near school buildings.
2. No expired or repackaged food items will be sold to students.
3. Any person or business selling food to students complies with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which regulates the safety and acceptability of food.
4. Schools, SGBs and vendors and traders should familiarize themselves with the above provision

Schools and SGBs are further reminded of previous GDE guidelines to regulate the sale of food to students:

• All food vendors and handlers must obtain a Certificate of Acceptance by contacting the Environmental Health Division of their local health department before selling food to students.
• Food areas or stalls must be inspected and approved before use.
• SGBs are responsible for ensuring suppliers comply with these regulations, including verifying that all food products are appropriately barcoded and sourced from reputable suppliers.

The ministry has also called on schools to strictly enforce these guidelines.

Cases of non-compliance must be reported immediately to both the district office and the Ministry of Health.

“To further protect the safety of students, 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. In addition, schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders and small business associations to promote joint efforts aimed at preventing further incidents of foodborne illness,” said Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.

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