The health and safety of students is a top priority for Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Food Services and Compliance Department (FS&C), ensuring that all meals provided are nutritious and safe to consume. Behind the scenes, this team continually works to uphold the highest safety standards in catering to more than 6 500 students daily. Their efforts have undoubtedly paid off, with the department confirming zero reported cases of food poisoning over the past two years.

The FS&C Department is part of SUNCOM and falls under the Innovation and Commercialisation Division at SU. FS&C is mandated to work closely with the contracted catering companies to provide meals to students who reside on campus. Together, they enforce strict food safety protocols, ensuring that every step of the food preparation process meets the highest hygiene and safety standards. Catering staff receive continuous training in personal hygiene, allergen management, food storage, and temperature control. Additionally, regular internal audits and inspections help the team identify risks and address any concerns immediately to ensure compliance.

This impressive track record is no accident. Over the past two years, the team, led by Bennie Malan, has served approximately 1 200 000 meals, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that students have a healthy food environment. “Food safety goes beyond preventing illness; it’s about creating a safe space for students where they can rely on us to provide wholesome meals and allow them to focus on their studies,” says Malan.

The department’s commitment to high standards has not gone unnoticed. Regular reviews by local health authorities and third-party audits confirm that the SUNCOM FS&C not only meets but often exceeds national food safety regulations.

By continuously improving its processes and implementing innovations where possible, the department has remained compliant in its food safety practices; preventing foodborne illnesses that can potentially disrupt academic performance and adversely impact the students.

For more information on SUNCOM’s Food Services and Compliance Department, click here.