Education ministry issues “10 Musts” and “10 Don’ts” for school food safety

According to China Daily, the “10 Musts” require schools to obtain proper food operation permits, adhere to public welfare principles in canteen management, and establish a clear food safety responsibility system, with the school principal designated as the primary accountable person.

The rules also mandate regular health checks and training for canteen staff. Strict procedures must be followed for the procurement and inspection of food ingredients. Additionally, the preparation of high-risk foods such as cold dishes and raw foods is prohibited in primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens.

Schools are further required to implement a meal accompaniment system, ensuring that at least one school official eats with students at every meal. In cases of food safety incidents or suspected foodborne illness, schools must take immediate action, promptly report to relevant authorities, and fully cooperate with investigations. Concealing, delaying, or falsifying reports is strictly forbidden.

Under the “10 Don’ts,” unqualified personnel are prohibited from handling ready-to-eat food. The use of expired or substandard ingredients, improper handling of raw and cooked foods, and any attempts to conceal or delay reporting food safety incidents are also banned.

Canteen staff are strictly forbidden from using banned food additives, toxic or harmful substances, spoiled or expired ingredients, or any materials that fail to meet food safety standards. The ministry encourages schools to display the “10 Musts” in administrative areas of canteens and the “10 Don’ts” in workspaces to raise awareness among staff and management.