Food poisoning cases not linked to school nutrition programme, says Department of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education said it is certain that the food poisoning of children around the country is not related to the school nutrition programme. However, department officials are concerned at the increasing reports of food poisoning involving children of school-going age.

“These incidents of food poisoning have disrupted teaching and learning as the majority of the cases affected learners during school hours. As a result, school time has been directed towards assisting the affected learners with medical attention,” the Department of Basic Education said in a statement.

In addition, the psycho-social impact of such incidents continues to have negative effects on both the pupils and teachers.

“In all the cases the learners have consumed items bought from vendors and spaza shops in and around schools. The Department of Basic Education appreciates the work being done by various government departments and other organs of state to address the matter,” the department said.

It added that although some media reports have incorrectly attributed the food poisoning incidents to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), no evidence has been found in this regard.

The department emphasised that there is strict adherence to five basic hygiene practices which are:

• Keep clean
• Separate cooked and raw food
• Cook thoroughly
• Keep food at a safe temperature
• Use safe water and raw materials

“With the use of these basic principles the system is able to provide safe healthy meals to more than nine million learners daily without an incident that threatens lives,” the department added.

According to the department, the media reports highlight a greater number of allegations that hundreds of school children suffer from food poisoning and increased incidents of hospitalisation.

“It must be made clear that many incidents experienced relate to food items bought through informal vendors. The other major factor is that school camps, tuck shops or vendors do not align with NSNP food basket and guidelines due to shifted area of responsibility,” the department said.

“In order to address this, the School Governing Body and School Management Teams should play a leading role in ensuring that healthy food snacks and beverages are sold to learners.”

While the school has no jurisdiction over the street vendors, the school community should make an effort to keep a database of individuals selling food and beverage items on or near the school premises, the department said.

It also suggested that schools should offer to hold meetings with school-based tuck shop operators on the nutritional value of different products being sold.

Communities are encouraged to report suspected cases of poisoning to the municipality and the South African Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman on 0800 029 999.