The Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Kindergartens’ Implementation of Primary Responsibility for Food Safety, jointly issued by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Education, set up rules to ensure food safety in kindergarten meal services and clarifies the responsibilities of kindergarten principals, food safety directors, food safety officers, canteen operators, and catering suppliers. The Provisions emphasize risk prevention, nutritional standards, public welfare principles, and full-chain management of food procurement, storage, processing, delivery, and serving.
The Provisions require daily inspections, weekly risk reviews, monthly food safety meetings, staff training, supplier evaluation, food sample retention, information disclosure, and strengthened supervision by education and market regulation authorities. They prohibit high-risk foods and ingredients, including nitrites, bulk edible oil and salt, certain raw and cold foods, and specified hazardous products. The Provisions also promote “Internet + Transparent Kitchens,” parent participation, meal accompaniment systems, food safety insurance, and enhanced penalties for violations, while requiring regular inspections and accountability mechanisms to ensure safe and nutritious meals for children.