Guangdong province is seeking public opinion on introducing a new rule banning local unlicensed small workshops and street vendors from producing and selling lunchboxes and related food.

Under the new rule, all small workshops and street vendors will have to apply for special licenses before they are allowed to produce and sell lunchboxes, cooked food, cold dishes, cakes, bread, sandwiches, milk products, drinks and other food in the province.

They must clearly state the kind of food they produce and sell and the type of equipment used to produce and process the food.

Offenders will be fined from 500 yuan ($80) to 50,000 yuan.

The new rule follows an increasing number of food poisoning cases in the province in recent months involving unlicensed small workshops and street vendors.

People who want to make suggestions and give advice on the new rule should do so by visiting the website of the Guangdong provincial office of legislation before April 3.