For the 2024-2025 school year, districts across Hanoi are focusing on tightening the management of food stalls around schools to ensure student safety. According to the Food Safety Division of Hanoi's Health Department, a special plan has been launched to boost food safety inspections both inside and around school premises.

Traditionally managed jointly by the education and health sectors, the oversight of school food safety now involves local government authorities where the schools are located. In 2024, Hoai Duc district developed Plan No. 276, which specifically aims to enhance food safety controls around school gates within the district.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, Head of Hoai Duc's Health Department, mentioned that food safety management and legal frameworks have progressively improved, making inter-agency coordination on state management over the area more effective. There is a particular focus on outreach and education to heighten awareness about food safety near schools.

However, Thanh notes that ensuring food safety in these areas poses ongoing challenges and requires continuous, long-term efforts rather than temporary, half-hearted measures.

In Ba Vi district, where there are 120 schools and nearly 150 food service establishments, local management includes routine inspections by the People's Committees of the communes and towns. As of the first seven months of the year, 114 business establishments were inspected, with 77.5% meeting food safety standards. Unauthorized snacks and food items without clear origins have been confiscated and destroyed.

For the academic year 2024-2025, the People's Committee of Ba Vi has also issued a specialized plan to increase food safety controls around schools.

Starting in August, districts across Hanoi began implementing the city-wide Plan No. 210/2024, aimed at enhancing food safety around schools. The plan stipulates that:

- 100% of educational institutions in each district must meet food safety standards.

- 100% of food production and service businesses around schools must obtain food safety certification and commit to upholding these standards.

- Regular inspections must be conducted, with over 90% of establishments required to meet food safety criteria and ensure traceability of food sources.

The city also mandates training and health checks for all individuals involved in food preparation near schools to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

In addition, Hanoi is calling for public awareness campaigns about the activities undertaken to ensure food safety near schools and is highlighting exemplary organizations and individuals who actively participate in these efforts.

PV