Free State Education to put tight regulations for food vendors

The Free State Education Department says it will put in place tight regulations this week to regulate food vendors at schools around the province.

This follows food poisoning incidents that affected more than 100 learners across the province between Wednesday and Friday.

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The department spokesperson Howard Ndaba says schools must incorporate food safety in the curriculum.

“We have suspended vendor activities in and around school premises, to allow conclusion of investigation and coordination of health and safety compliance. School owned tuck shops and vendors who operate under strict supervision, as approved by SGBs, are exempted. Schools are urged to educate learners on the importance of food safety. Schools must compile detailed lists of all authorised vendors operating in or near school premises. These lists must be submitted to Environmental Health Inspectors,” added Ndaba.