JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - The Government has implemented a grading system for school canteens nationwide to ensure cleanliness and food quality, and those which fail to make the grade will be closed down.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said the canteens would be graded from A to D. Those that scored 90 points and above would be graded "A" indicating a very satisfactory level.

"The canteens that are classified as 'D', with 70 points and below, will be closed down," he said.

Dr Wee said the canteens would be judged on their operating principles, quality and cleanliness of food, utensils as well as premises.

He said inspection teams from the Health Ministry started inspecting school canteens last month. The teams will complete their rounds and grade the canteens by June.

Dr Wee said the system could help prevent food poisoning cases among school children.