Schools in South African province may suspend food sales as poisoning cases rise

By Mark Ogagan

The Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Education has suggested that food sales on school premises be temporarily suspended until the source of contamination is identified.

This comes amid increasing cases of suspected food poisoning among learners.

Two siblings recently died after ingesting suspected contaminated snacks bought from a local spaza shop in Katlehong, in Johannesburg’s east rand.

Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Moipone Mhlongo says, “We further urge parents not to provide lunch money to learners but instead to prepare meals for them at home. Additionally, the Committee calls upon School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to actively monitor and regulate food vendors operating within schools.

“We emphasize that the Department of Basic Education implement a registration process for all food vendors in schools to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations.”