The Limpopo Department of Education has announced intention to lift the suspension of food sales at schools, with strict conditions set out for all vendors and close monitoring by school governing bodies (SGBs).
Schools and vendors across the province have been given until November 11 to ensure that they fully comply with the regulations.
Acting provincial head of department, Martin Mashaba said the notice to lift the suspension on the sale of food is aimed at providing further conditions under which food sales can take place at schools.
"The safety of learners remains a key priority for the department. With the lifting of the suspension of food (sales), we hope that food vendors will adhere to all the regulations and work closely with school governing bodies (SGBs),” he said.
The new conditions announced include vendor registrations and contracts with SGBs.
All food vendors operating within school premises must have a formal service level agreement (SLA) with the school governing body, outlining roles and responsibilities of vendors, and specifically, adherence to food safety and nutrition standards required by the Department of Education.
“On health and safety certification, vendors are required to have a valid certificate of acceptability (COA) from the Department of Health, affirming compliance with hygiene standards for food premises under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972. This certification ensures all food handling, storage, and preparation is carried out in a manner that meets public health requirements,” he said.
On adherence to nutritional standards and safe food practices, the provincial department said vendors are required to stock and sell items that are within the nutritional guidelines set forth in the National School Nutrition Programme guidelines for tuck shop operators, promoting healthy food choices such as fresh fruits, low-sugar beverages, and other nutritionally balanced items.
Vendors are urged to avoid selling processed or high-fat foods, such as fried items and sugary snacks.
“All food vendors serving schools will be required to maintain verifiable documentation demonstrating the origins of their products. This includes receipts and invoices detailing suppliers, purchased dates and product descriptions. This measure will enable authorities to trace product origins and hold suppliers accountable for food safety,” said Mashaba.
A ban has been imposed on the sale of snacks from brands identified to contain “foreign objects” or lacking expiry dates on the packaging.
“This is a crucial step on safeguarding the learners from potential harm,” he said.
The provincial authorities said the school governing bodies hold ultimate responsibility for the safety of food sold by vendors in school premises.
“To ensure compliance, the school governing bodies are expected to regularly monitor vendor operations to verify adherence to health, safety and nutritional standards; to retain authority to sanction or terminate the agreement of any vendor found non-compliant with the National School Nutrition Programme guidelines or health and safety requirements; to keep a database of approved vendors and meet regularly to assess the vendor’s performance and compliance with the service level agreement.”
The provincial department said it would be consulting with the school governing bodies and school principals.
Last month, IOL reported that the Limpopo Department of Education had announced the temporary ban on street vendors and spaza shops from selling food in and around schools, starting on October 28, due to a spike in food poisoning incidents across the province.
The decision came as South Africa experienced a surge of food poisoning related cases, which led to learners being rushed to hospitals and claimed the lives of others learners.
IOL