Hai Phong tightens food safety management in educational institutions
Hai Phong City People's Committee issues new directive to strictly address school catering providers failing to meet food safety standards.
On August 24, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued an official dispatch implementing Prime Minister's Directive No. 33/CT-TTg dated August 14, 2026, regarding the strengthening of food safety in educational institutions.
Accordingly, the Department of Health is assigned to lead the implementation for the City People's Committee, following the principle of 'clear personnel, clear tasks, clear responsibilities, clear authority, clear timelines, and clear results.' The core goal is to eliminate overlapping responsibilities and define the roles of managers at all levels, with a reporting deadline to the City People's Committee before September 15, 2026.
The Department of Health is tasked with coordinating with relevant agencies to inspect and strictly supervise the food supply chain, from raw material selection and processing to preservation and meal preparation. These units must promptly detect and strictly handle any violations according to the law.
Semi-boarding kitchen at Tan Huong Kindergarten (Vinh Lai commune). Photo: D.Tuy.
The dispatch also mandates coordination with the People's Committees of communes, wards, and special zones to conduct comprehensive reviews of collective kitchens and school canteens. The assessment includes human resources, facilities, equipment, and hygiene safety conditions. Results and funding plans must be completed by September 25, 2026.
Notably, authorities will strictly control school meal providers. These providers must commit to legal compliance and digitalize information regarding the origin, quality, and price of food. The city will resolutely terminate contracts with any provider failing to ensure safety, supported by monthly periodic inspections.
Preschool students' semi-boarding meals after summer break. Photo: D.Tuy.
The Department of Education and Training is collaborating with the health sector to promote awareness and establish guidelines for preventing food poisoning in schools. Furthermore, the City Police will launch a campaign to prevent and strictly handle violations, specifically regarding the 'skimming' of school meals. Channels such as Zalo OA, VNeID, and hotlines will be utilized to receive reports from the public.
