China's education authority has identified eight ways it can improve its free school meals program, which has been marred by a series of food poisoning cases and complaints about poor standards.

Speaking at a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday about the government's school nutrition program, Vice-Minister of Education Lu Xin said local authorities must prioritize self-monitoring and examinations, adding that central authorities will also perform thorough inspections.

It is also necessary to implement operational plans as well as improve training and guidance.