Under new guidelines, schools providing lunches must establish internal food safety monitoring teams, with parent representatives overseeing food deliveries, preparation and cooking.
Schools must also disclose daily menus and information about food suppliers, while preparing contingency plans for food poisoning incidents or disruptions to catering services.
If a supplier no longer meets food safety requirements, schools must report the issue to local authorities and arrange alternative meal providers to avoid disrupting lunch services.
The guidelines also clarify responsibilities between local authorities and schools. They will oversee the selection and supervision of food suppliers, while schools will manage meal preparation, food inspections, sample retention, contract compliance and coordination with parents.