BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities require further strengthening the nutrition improvement program for rural students in compulsory education, according to a circular released Wednesday.

The circular, issued by five state organs including the Ministry of Education, demanded school officials accompany students to school meals as a way of ensuring food safety. Schools should also invite parents to accompany students to school meals if the facilities permit, it added.

The circular asked school canteens to build transparent kitchens, and any unit or individual who violates the food safety regulations would be prohibited from engaging in the program.

The program has effectively improved the nutrition for rural students in compulsory education since it was carried out, said the circular.