The parents’ association supports food inspections in schools

The group is commenting on provincial department guidance for schools following several cases of food-related illnesses.

Education officials have ordered principals and governing bodies to monitor and control the purchase and handling of food sold by vendors on school premises and outside school gates.

Vee Gani of the association says this is necessary.

“Any attempt to improve the safety of our children should be welcomed. I think this is a good circular because it gives some responsibility to the director and the governing bodies.”

TO READ: The DBE says parents need to talk to their children as food poisoning cases rise

On Wednesday, seven students in uMthwalume fell ill after purchasing chips from a local spaza shop. Officials say 37 students needed treatment in Zululand after drinking the Kool-Aid. Last week, more than 40 students in Mtubatuba fell ill after eating snacks from outside school.

Gani says the guidelines place greater responsibility on school management.

“They should be doing this. If a snack shop clerk sells fried French fries, there is no telling how many times he used that oil. In essence, this is a circular intended to ensure accountability and monitoring.”