The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises until further notice.
The decision follows the recent and alarming increase in incidents of foodborne illnesses affecting learners across various schools in the province.
Spokesperson for Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they are deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners.
He said schools and Student Governing Bodies (SGBs) will closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuck shops, and other outlets that sell food to learners.
1. Only food of nutritional value is sold within or near school premises.
2. No expired or repackaged food items are sold to learners.
3. Any individual or business selling food to learners complies with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, which governs the safety and acceptability of food.
Vendors and traders must familiarise themselves with the new rules and follow the proper guidelines by obtaining a Certificate of Acceptability by contacting their local Health Department’s Environmental Health Division before selling any food to learners. Stalls must be inspected and approved before operations may resume.
Chiloane said it would be the responsibility of the SGBs to ensure vendor compliance and verify all food items to ensure they are properly barcoded and sourced from reputable suppliers.
He called on schools to enforce the guidelines rigorously and report those who did not comply immediately.
Schools and SGBs are to issue a circular to parents, encouraging them to prepare meals at home instead of providing lunch money until the relevant authorities issue updated vendor guidelines.
