The requirement is set out in Directive No. 33, recently issued by the Prime Minister to strengthen food safety at educational institutions following a number of food poisoning incidents affecting students.
Under the directive, schools must provide parents with daily information through notice boards, websites, apps or online groups, including meal suppliers, ingredients, food photos, purchase invoices, menus and photos of meals actually served to students, allowing parents to monitor food quality and safety.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to review and strengthen food safety regulations for educational institutions in the third quarter, particularly those covering food suppliers, school canteens and collective kitchens.
The directive calls for clearer responsibilities among relevant authorities and stronger accountability for those responsible for food safety management.
Regular and unannounced inspections will be stepped up at school kitchens, canteens and businesses supplying food and meals to schools. Those violating food safety regulations may face suspension or have their food safety certificates revoked.
Local authorities have been asked to review all school kitchens and canteens in their areas and assess the capacity and food safety conditions of suppliers.
Schools should terminate contracts with businesses that fail to meet food hygiene and safety requirements, according to the directive.
The directive also calls for stronger action against serious food safety violations, including cases involving reduced or inadequate school meal portions.
Parents will be given a greater role in monitoring food supplies and meal preparation. Parent representatives may observe food sourcing and meal distribution and join teachers and students in assessing meal quality.
Where conditions allow, they may also participate in rapid testing of higher-risk ingredients and food products and inspect food preparation areas.
For schools using externally prepared meals, parent representatives may ask school leaders to organise inspections at suppliers' food preparation facilities.
