Parents in Ho Chi Minh City gain new tool to monitor school meals via QR codes
The 'Responsible Green Tick' model is launched in HCMC school kitchens, allowing parents to scan QR codes to trace food origins and monitor their children's meals.
On July 17, the People's Committee of Binh Dong Ward (HCMC), in coordination with the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade, officially launched the 'Responsible Green Tick' model in school kitchens. This is a significant step in digitalizing food safety management, allowing parents to easily track the origin of food in every meal via QR codes.
The core of the model is that all food data is integrated into a digital platform. Ms. Phan Thao Ly, Principal of 19/5 Kindergarten, noted that daily menu information is updated on the electronic contact book and the school's website. 'Even during the summer break, every menu post attracts hundreds of views, reflecting the close attention of parents,' said Ms. Ly.
Operationally, the model helps schools strictly control the supply chain. Every batch of ingredients received is visually inspected and scanned via QR codes to verify supplier information. Mr. Dao Ha Trung, Chairman of the HCMC High Technology Association, affirmed that applying blockchain technology helps store data transparently and securely, creating peace of mind for both schools and families.
Ms. Vu Yen Oanh, Vice Chairwoman of Binh Dong Ward People's Committee, emphasized that this model acts as a 'shield' for student health. Currently, the ward is encouraging all public and private educational institutions to participate in reviewing and standardizing their canteen operations.
According to data from the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade, from mid-April to mid-May, authorities issued fines totaling over 22 billion VND to nearly 3,700 establishments for food safety violations. Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department, stated that building a mechanism for corporate self-regulation combined with proactive consumer oversight is the most sustainable solution given limited inspection resources.
To date, the 'Responsible Green Tick' program has attracted 12 supermarket chains with over 449 suppliers and more than 5,460 approved products. In the coming school year, the Department of Industry and Trade aims to expand this model to all schools across the city, contributing to raising food safety standards for the next generation.