The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says it has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food on and around school premises until further notice.

It says the alarming increase in incidents of suspected food poisoning at various schools in the province informed his decision.

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says the aim is to protect the health and well-being of students.

“Schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, shops and other outlets that sell food to students. Specifically, schools must ensure that only food with nutritional value is sold on or near school premises, no expired or repackaged food is sold to students, and any individual or business selling food to students complies with the regulations,” adds Mabona.

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF FOOD SALES IN SCHOOL TO PROTECT STUDENTS

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food in and around school premises until further notice. This decision is informed by recent and… pic.twitter.com/m4cp92VtUc

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) November 8, 2024