Price guidelines turn up heat on college kitchens

Price guidelines for college canteens have raised fears among students and catering staff that it could affect the quality of the food.

According to a list of recommended prices published by Beijing's education commission this month, servings of vegetables like cabbage and potato should cost less than 1.5 yuan, while meat dishes should cost no more than 6 yuan.

"In principle, 6 yuan can cover most basic costs, such as raw materials, labor, water, electricity and gas," said Zhao Xianghua, who is in charge of that canteen at Beijing Forestry University and helped draw up the plan after a one-month citywide investigation.