Vietnam schools face food safety concerns over student meals

Schools in Vietnam are facing scrutiny over the quality of student meals following reports of food safety concerns. At Le Trong Tan Primary School, administrators rejected a delivery of 102.5 kg of chicken breast and 122 kg of shrimp on September 11 after discovering the items had unusual odors and discoloration. The school, which serves nearly 2,400 students, had to substitute menu items to ensure meal quality.

Similarly, parents at Ho Van Long Secondary School in Ho Chi Minh City have raised urgent concerns regarding catering services. Reported issues include undercooked chicken, meat with foul odors, sour soup, and salty dishes. Some parents reported students experiencing allergic reactions or skin rashes following meals. In response to these incidents, some parents have begun picking up their children at noon to provide home-cooked meals instead of using the school's catering services. School officials at Ho Van Long stated they are working with providers to adjust food quality.