The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has introduced stricter measures for food vendors operating on school premises, requiring them to obtain valid Certificates of Acceptability (CoAs). This initiative aims to enhance food safety and protect the health of students purchasing food from vendors.
The move comes in response to a worrying rise in foodborne illnesses among students across the country. Following this surge in cases, school vendors were temporarily banned from selling food to pupils until the safety of food sold on school grounds could be assured.
Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Department, explained that this step aligns with recent national calls for tighter food safety regulations, as emphasized by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address on November 8. The President highlighted the need for strict compliance by all food vendors, tuck shops, and traders operating on school premises, stressing that food must be free from contaminants and handled with care to avoid spoilage or contamination.
As part of the new measures, all tuck shops, food vendors, and traders at schools must adhere to legal requirements, by-laws, and food safety regulations. Specifically, vendors must register with relevant authorities and obtain a CoA within 21 days, starting from November 15, 2024. This certificate is a requirement under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act and the General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters (Regulations No. 638 of 22 June 2018).
Mabona emphasized that schools and districts must ensure that all food vendors possess a valid CoA, which can be verified through an Environmental Health Practitioner at the local municipal office.
To support these efforts, the Department has reminded School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams of their responsibility to ensure that vendors comply with all relevant food safety guidelines. This includes confirming that food sold at schools is sourced from reputable suppliers and is free of harmful substances. Schools must also submit daily reports on food-related incidents using a standardized template and share food safety information with students and parents to raise awareness about preventing foodborne illnesses.
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, called on parents, communities, and all stakeholders to work together to ensure that these regulations are followed, creating a safe and healthy environment for learners. The Department’s heightened focus on food safety aims to protect students’ well-being while ensuring that the food served on school grounds meets the highest standards of quality and hygiene.
