South Africa's School Nutrition Program Faces Certification Crisis

In South Africa, a troubling situation has emerged within the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which aims to provide meals to nearly 10 million students in the country’s most disadvantaged schools. Recent findings reveal that more than 8,500 schools are operating without the necessary Certificates of Acceptability (CoA), a legal requirement ensuring that food-preparation facilities adhere to health and safety standards.

The NSNP serves approximately 19,683 public, secondary, and special schools, yet the lack of compliance raises concerns about food safety for vulnerable children. While the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the issue, it attributes the absence of CoAs to various factors, including inadequate kitchen infrastructure and a shortage of environmental health practitioners (EHPs) to oversee the certification process.

Spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa explained that some schools are still using traditional cooking methods outside, while others have kitchens that do not meet the standards for certification. In Limpopo, for example, many facilities were not designed for large-scale meal preparation when built, resulting in prioritization of classrooms over kitchens during planning. Isaac Mahlangu from the Limpopo education department noted that while there are designated food storage areas, compliance with health regulations remains a challenge.

In the Northern Cape, a lack of EHPs has delayed the issuance of CoAs, as reported by Geoffrey van der Merwe, while the North West Department of Education, represented by Elias Malindi, highlighted that some schools have converted classrooms into makeshift kitchens. Additionally, expired CoAs and failed applications due to noncompliance further complicate the situation.

In response to these challenges, the Western Cape Education Department is working to improve compliance by establishing school food safety teams and conducting regular inspections. They are also focusing on training food handlers on hygiene practices and safe food storage. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape has initiated quarterly assessments and partnerships aimed at upgrading kitchen facilities and incentivizing high-performing schools with financial support for compliance.

The Mpumalanga Department is conducting workshops to educate school staff on food safety, while Limpopo aims to ensure all kitchens are compliant by 2030. These efforts underline a collective recognition of the need for urgent improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of students reliant on school meals.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za