In response to a recent surge in food poisoning cases among schoolchildren, the Gauteng Province Department of Education in South Africa has temporarily suspended all food sales on school premises. This decision comes amid alarming reports of food-borne illnesses that have led to at least 10 child fatalities and hundreds of hospitalizations in the region over the past few months.
Department spokesperson Xolani Mkhwemte confirmed that the directive aims to protect students’ health by restricting access to potentially unsafe foods. “We have instructed all schools to suspend the sales of food within and around school premises until further notice,” Mkhwemte stated.
The suspension forms part of a broader initiative for stricter food safety regulations, including the registration of tuck shops and the enforcement of rigorous compliance checks. Fikile Mbalula, secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), echoed this call, advocating for the closure of unregistered food vendors around schools.
Until compliance is assured, the Education Department has advised parents to prepare meals for their children to ensure they consume safe, nutritious food. The department also emphasized that only healthy and safe food options should be allowed back on school grounds once the situation stabilizes.