Urgent: Quang Ninh Province Steps Up Food Safety for Students as Boarding School Meals Expand – Google News
Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province – A proactive push for student health is underway in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, as authorities significantly expand access to semi-intern school meals and implement rigorous food safety protocols. This breaking news comes as the province prepares for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming for 100% coverage of preschools with these vital meal programs. The initiative, highlighted by the recent opening of a boarding program at Ha Long Elementary School, underscores a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the region’s young learners.
Ha Long Elementary School Leads the Way in Food Safety
Immediately following its opening ceremony, Ha Long Elementary School launched a dining program serving 1490 out of 1547 students. School Director Nguyen Thi Huong emphasized that ensuring food security and hygiene is paramount, given the large number of children participating. The school partners with An Phu 2 Processing Company, located in Bai Chay neighborhood, and publishes menus for parents and students, updated weekly to guarantee nutritional balance. A unique aspect of the program is the direct involvement of parents, who participate in weekly inspections of food processing facilities, including sampling and verification of food origins and kitchen equipment.
Province-Wide Expansion and Proactive Measures
The expansion isn’t limited to Ha Long City. According to the Department of Education and Training, 394 schools across the province will offer semi-intern meals in the 2024-2025 school year – encompassing 216 kindergartens, 133 primary schools, 33 secondary schools, and 12 institutes. This represents a significant increase, with projections showing 217 preschools offering meals by 2025-2026, achieving full coverage. This growth necessitates a robust system of oversight, and the Department is responding with a multi-pronged approach.
Beyond Inspections: Education and Training for a Safer Future
Recognizing that food safety is a continuous process, the Department of Education and Training has prioritized education and training. Since the beginning of 2025, they’ve been strengthening propaganda and guidance for teachers and students on food safety practices, including proper handwashing and disease prevention. A key initiative was a Ministry of Education and Training course in May 2025, attended by 397 staff and chefs from 176 primary schools, focused on organizing meals in boarding schools. This training aimed to elevate professional capacity and knowledge in this critical area. For schools offering boarding but lacking dining facilities, contracts are now required with providers who meet stringent food safety standards.
A Record of Success and Ongoing Vigilance
The province’s dedication appears to be paying off. The Department of Education and Training reports that during the last school year, all educational units strictly adhered to directives ensuring food safety and hygiene. Measures included environmental cleaning, kitchen sanitation, rigorous food purchasing practices, and a three-step food sample storage system. Importantly, the province has reported zero cases of food poisoning or food safety violations in educational institutions. Ba Che Children’s Garden, for example, publicly announces food portions and menus to foster transparency and parental trust.
This commitment to proactive food safety measures isn’t just about compliance; it’s about investing in the future health and development of Quang Ninh province’s children. The ongoing efforts to educate, inspect, and collaborate demonstrate a dedication to creating a safe and nourishing learning environment for all students, setting a positive example for other regions and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing student well-being in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and ongoing coverage of education and health initiatives across Vietnam.
