Guangdong Plans to Ban Campus Supermarkets in Primary and Secondary Schools
On December 17, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education and three other departments issued the “Guiding Opinions on the Standardized Management of Campus Supermarkets (Trial)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Opinions”). The Opinions clearly state that primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens, are generally not allowed to set up campus supermarkets on school grounds, and those already established must gradually withdraw. Boarding primary and secondary schools may determine the necessity of campus supermarkets based on actual needs after consulting the parent committee and student representatives, and decisions must be collectively discussed and made by the school leadership team, the school’s representative council, or the teaching representative council. The Opinions will be implemented starting January 1, 2025, with a validity period of three years.
The “campus supermarket” referred to in the Opinions means all types of supermarkets within various schools in Guangdong (including kindergartens), such as supermarkets, shops, convenience stores, and vending machines. Campus supermarkets must obtain the necessary permits and qualifications to operate legally, and unlicensed operations are strictly prohibited. Supermarkets that only sell pre-packaged food must register in accordance with the law. Employees who handle food that is directly accessible to customers must undergo annual health checks and acquire valid health certificates.
As a general rule, campus supermarkets are to be managed by the schools themselves. Schools that need to contract out must follow the principles of fairness, impartiality, and openness in determining rental prices and operating scopes. Public schools that lease out the supermarket must comply with regulations regarding asset leasing and must select contractors through public bidding. The maximum contracting period cannot exceed five years; rental income must follow the “two lines of revenue and expenditure” policy, with relevant taxes deducted and remitted to the local government, and expenditures included in budget management. Furthermore, schools must establish and improve mechanisms for the admission and exit of campus supermarkets.
What can be sold in campus supermarkets? The Opinions specify that each region and school should operate their campus supermarkets according to permitted business scopes, implement product sales lists, and strictly enforce a list of allowable items. The sale of “three-no products” (products with no production license, no quality guarantee, and no inspection), restricted items, counterfeit goods, expired or spoiled items, and any food beyond permitted categories, such as grilled sausages, cold drinks, milk tea, and soy milk, is prohibited.
Food products sold in primary and secondary schools are generally limited to pure water, mineral water, pre-packaged bread, milk, and fresh fruits. The purchase, storage, and sale of products with packaging or labeling containing pornography, violence, or harmful content that affects minors’ physical and mental health are strictly prohibited. The sale of high-salt, high-sugar, high-fat foods, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Advertising for sugary drinks and flavored snacks is also prohibited. Any additional food sales categories must be discussed and approved collectively by the school leadership team and parent committee before implementation.
Campus supermarkets must strictly implement purchasing verification and documentation systems, maintaining a record of their inventory purchases. They should be located away from teaching areas (except for vending machines) and must not disrupt normal educational activities, while meeting requirements for fire prevention, mold prevention, rodent control, and anti-theft measures. Food and non-food items must be stored separately and should not be mixed. All food items must meet the food safety labeling and storage requirement standards. Campus supermarkets should prioritize serving teachers and students, adhering to the principle of “public welfare,” and must practice transparent pricing with clear labeling. Schools are encouraged to agree with supermarket contractors on pricing levels through contracts to prevent excessive charges.
(The original title was “Guangdong Proposes to Ban Campus Supermarkets in Primary and Secondary Schools.”)
