A photo of a small school meal recently appeared on social media. The tray contained white rice, soup, peanut salt, two fried meatballs and a pastry. Many people questioned whether it provided enough food and nutrients for students.
Dân trí reported that the meal was served at Lap Thach 1 Primary School in Lap Thach Commune, Phu Tho Province, formerly part of Vinh Phuc Province. A parent said it cost 19,000 dong; parents also pay 6,500 dong per day for midday care and 50,000 dong per month for the cook.
On October 16, a commune People's Committee leader told Dân trí that authorities were verifying parents' complaints. The commune asked the school for a report and organized an on-site inspection. The school prepares meals itself and has no service contract with a company.
Authorities are considering letting the school continue preparing meals itself or signing a contract with a service provider.
The Phu Tho Department of Education and Training earlier issued guidance on food safety and meal quality. Authorities must inspect school kitchens, cafeterias, meal areas and food and meal suppliers.
Schools must inspect staff, records, facilities, equipment, water, hygiene, and food preparation and storage. Supplier selection must be public, transparent and based on records and actual inspections.
Schools must publish daily supplier, menu, ingredient, meal, invoice and tray information. Parent representatives should be allowed to conduct unannounced inspections.
Each institution must publish a food-safety hotline. Within 24 hours of a complaint, it must classify it, take initial action or refer it to the competent authority, and inform the complainant of the result.
Lap Thach 1 Primary School was established by combining Xuan Hoa Primary School and Tu Du Primary School.
Sources: Dân Trí
