South Africa Addresses Food Poisoning Incidents Among Schoolchildren

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Monday, October 28, 2024. The South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of food poisoning cases among school-age children, which have caused significant disruptions in schools nationwide. These incidents have primarily occurred during school hours, diverting critical learning time to assist affected students with immediate medical attention.

“These food poisoning events have impacted not only the students’ health but also the educational environment as a whole, affecting both students and teachers psychologically,” the Department stated. “Schools and surrounding communities should be places where young learners feel secure and safe.”

According to the Department, investigations reveal that affected students consumed items purchased from nearby vendors and spaza shops rather than through school-provided meals made available through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

The National School Nutrition Programme, a cornerstone of the National Development Plan 2030, aims to combat hunger, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies by providing nutritious meals to 9.7 million learners each school day. With an allocated budget of R9.8 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, the programme is a key part of the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) initiative, which seeks to reduce barriers to learning and support student well-being.

To ensure the safety and quality of meals, the NSNP adheres to strict hygiene practices, including maintaining cleanliness, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking thoroughly, preserving safe temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials. “These basic hygiene principles enable us to deliver safe, nutritious meals to millions of students each day without incidents that threaten lives,” the Department stated.

To address the alleged food poisoning cases, the Department encourages School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams to prioritize the sale of healthy snacks and beverages to students.

While schools lack direct authority over street vendors, the Department suggests that school communities maintain a list of individuals selling food around school grounds. “It is essential for the entire community to take responsibility for the children’s well-being, especially regarding items sold outside school premises,” the Department advised. “We encourage schools to hold informational meetings with tuck shop operators to discuss the nutritional value of their offerings.”

The Department also urged parents, guardians and caregivers to monitor the food items their children consume and to verify the sources of these items, as community vigilance is key to preventing further incidents.

The Department expressed its condolences to the families who have tragically lost children due to food poisoning, highlighting the importance of concerted efforts to safeguard young learners.

Source: Department of Basic Education Newsroom

Published: October 28, 2024

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