Vietnam strengthens school food safety and transparency

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to secure school food safety by addressing vulnerabilities in the supply chain and implementing transparency models. Recent incidents, such as the discovery of a ring distributing 300 tons of African Swine Fever-infected pork in Hanoi and a mass food poisoning event in Quang Tri involving 41 students, have highlighted critical gaps in quarantine and kitchen management.

In response, Ho Chi Minh City is promoting the ‘Transparent Kitchen’ model. This initiative allows parents to monitor food origins, transportation, and preparation processes daily by scanning QR codes provided by schools. Local authorities aim to expand this model to 100% of schools by the 2026-2027 academic year to rebuild trust and ensure rigorous oversight of student meals.