In an urgent response to rising cases of foodborne illnesses, the Gauteng Department of Education has ordered the immediate suspension of all food sales on school premises and surrounding areas.
Story Summary:
- The Gauteng Department of Education suspends all food sales in and around schools due to rising foodborne illness cases.
- Over 200 pupils affected by food poisoning since February; recent cases resulted in tragic fatalities.
- Schools are instructed to enforce strict regulations on vendors to ensure student safety.
Food sales near Gauteng schools banned: Here’s what we know
This decision, announced on Friday, comes after a significant surge in food poisoning cases, with reports indicating that over 200 pupils have been affected since the beginning of the year, and 10 children have tragically lost their lives.
The department stated that this measure aims to protect students while stricter regulations on food vendors are implemented.
Gauteng’s Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep concern over the recent outbreaks.
Speaking on the urgency of the decision, he said:
“The safety and well-being of our learners is our highest priority, and we are committed to working closely with health authorities to understand and address the root causes of these incidents.”
Since February, cases of food poisoning have been concentrated primarily in the Ekurhuleni district, with several incidents reported across other parts of Gauteng as well.
The directive follows an alarming incident at Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong, where more than 100 pupils suffered food poisoning after eating samp.
According to department spokesperson Steve Mabona:
“All 110 learners were hospitalised following the incident, with 98 learners subsequently discharged after receiving medical treatment. Twelve learners remain in the hospital under medical supervision.”
New food safety measures announced
As part of the immediate response, the Gauteng Department of Education has mandated all School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to strictly enforce food safety regulations.
These measures include ensuring that only nutritious and safe food items are sold, banning expired or repackaged food, and mandating that vendors comply with Regulation 638, which governs food safety standards.
All vendors are required to have a Certificate of Acceptability from their local health department, which involves inspections and approval before they are allowed to operate near schools.
In addition to halting food sales, the department has advised schools to issue a circular to parents, encouraging them to provide home-prepared meals rather than giving children money to buy lunch.
Chiloane added that “schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders, and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts aimed at preventing further incidents of foodborne illness.”
The provincial health authorities, alongside the education department, are investigating the recent outbreaks to pinpoint the sources and prevent further occurrences.
This collaboration comes in response to several recent cases of food-related illnesses among students, including a tragic incident last month in Soweto that resulted in the deaths of six children.
Authorities suspect that vendors’ use of expired products or unsanitary conditions may have contributed to these cases, though investigations are ongoing.
