Department Of Education Suspends Food Sales Around Schools Amid Food Poisoning Concerns In Limpopo

The Department of Education in Limpopo has announced a temporary suspension of all food sales in and around schools across the province. This comes following a concerning increase in alleged food poisoning incidents which are spreading all over the country.

The decision is intended to protect the health and safety of learners, particularly during the current examination period, will be in place until further notice.

This precautionary measure follows a series of reported cases where learners fell ill, and tragically, in some instances, lost their lives due to suspected food poisoning.

One of the most recent incidents involved a 13-year-old boy from Khubvi village in the Thulamela Municipality, who allegedly died after consuming crisps or puffs provided by a shopkeeper in the area.

Three other children also reported symptoms after eating the same snacks, sparking further alarm.

Acting Head of Department, Martin Mashaba, emphasized that the suspension is a critical step to prevent additional incidents and ensure that students can focus on their studies without health risks looming over them.

“We are taking this matter seriously and have opted for this suspension as a temporary yet necessary measure to protect our children,” Mashaba stated”

Despite the suspension of external food sales, the department has reassured the public that the school nutrition program will continue.

This program, which provides meals to thousands of students daily, will maintain strict hygiene and safety standards to ensure learners’ health is not compromised.

The department urges parents, guardians, and community members to support this measure and remain vigilant about the food their children consume outside the school environment.