China reported 151 school food incidents from April to June, up 70 percent over the first three months of this year, sources with the Ministry of Education said in Beijing Monday.

"The situation calls for more efforts from schools and government departments," said the Ministry Spokesman Wang Xuming. "From now on, we will give alarming notice on food incidents."

Statistics showed that of the 151 food incidents in the second quarter, 19 cases, equal to 12.6 percent, were caused by food from dining halls of schools. 24 cases were reported outside schools.

Speaking at the time right before a new semester, Wang stressed that schools and educational departments should make a thorough examination of the dining halls and clean up all the cooking facilities. Schools should also check up their water supply system under the guidance of the health departments.

Wang stressed that schools should carefully examine the health certificates of the cooking staff, and teach students on how to protect themselves against unsafe food.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2007)