Ho Chi Minh City workshop addresses food safety and school meal oversight

Experts and stakeholders gathered at a workshop titled “Where does a safe meal begin?” in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss food safety management across the entire supply chain. The event, organized by Tuoi Tre Newspaper in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the Ho Chi Minh City Culinary Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Association, emphasized that food safety is a public health issue involving every link from production and distribution to processing.

During the seminar, officials highlighted the critical need for better monitoring of food origins, particularly regarding school meals. Experts noted that while traceability is essential, it remains a significant challenge for those within the supply chain. There were calls for a high-tech monitoring system capable of rapid response and real-time feedback when issues are detected. Additionally, participants suggested that parents should have better access to information regarding the meals provided to their children.

Businesses participating in the workshop showcased products adhering to safety standards, such as the “Green Tick Responsibility” program. Examples included greenhouse-grown melon, safe-cultivated pomelo, and meat products processed under strict technical standards to meet increasing demands from distribution channels.