Hanoi steps up food safety inspections in university canteens

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi People's Committee has launched a comprehensive campaign to improve food safety in kitchens and canteens at universities, academies, colleges, and vocational schools across the city. The effort aims to tighten supervision of food preparation processes, enforce traceability of sources, and reduce health risks to students.

The campaign, detailed in Plan No. 112/KH-UBND signed by Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha on April 22, 2025, requires institutions to improve hygiene practices and conduct strict inspections of food sources. All kitchens, canteens, food suppliers, ingredient producers, school administrators, food handlers, and students using these services are included in the scope of this plan.

The city will require local governments and educational institutions to inspect kitchens and equipment, food storage, transportation and supply, among other things. Random sampling and testing will be conducted to assess hygiene and identify potential contamination risks. These results will serve as the basis for enforcement action, including fines and public disclosure of violations.

To ensure widespread awareness, the plan calls for multiple communication strategies. Schools will organize food safety seminars, debates, and competitions, while disseminating information through posters, flyers, school websites, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, and Instagram. Educational content will also be integrated into curricula and extracurricular programs.

Authorities will provide training and health checks for food handlers and issue certificates to eligible establishments. Coordinated inspections, both scheduled and ad hoc, will be conducted, with clear reporting and follow-up procedures. In the event of food poisoning or suspected contamination, authorities will collect samples for testing and quickly issue warnings or recalls. A food safety hotline has been established at the Hanoi Sub-Department of Food Safety and Hygiene to receive reports from the public.

The Department of Health is responsible for organizing inspection teams, recommending awards for outstanding compliance, and overseeing implementation in all districts. Schools are responsible for strengthening internal control systems and complying with food safety regulations.

This initiative underscores Hanoi's commitment to protecting public health while promoting accountability in school food services.

Source: Plan No. 112/KH-UBND dated April 22, 2025 by the People’s Committee of Hanoi