Food safety a priority as schools resume

The authorities must ensure food safety in schools and kindergartens amid the novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic, according to a notice published on March 23.

The notice, jointly issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Security, said local authorities are responsible for making plans and taking measures to coordinate epidemic control work with food safety-related work in schools and kindergartens in regions that have started the spring semester.

The health status of personnel involved in school catering should be monitored closely, it said, and tableware, food processing equipment and dining places should be kept clean and sanitary.

Local market regulation authorities must strengthen food safety supervision and inspection, it said, adding that illegal activities will be severely punished.