Hanoi requires clarification of legal responsibility if providing unsafe food

GD&TĐ - The Hanoi Department of Education and Training requested clarification of legal responsibilities if food poisoning occurs or unsafe food is provided.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training has just issued a document to the Department of Culture and Social Affairs of wards and communes in the city; units and schools under the Department requesting to strengthen food safety work in the 2025-2026 school year.

The document clearly states: In order to strengthen management and ensure food safety, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training requests units and schools to promote propaganda work, regularly update knowledge on food safety and school nutrition through training courses, conferences, seminars, and topics for cadres, teachers, staff, parents and students.

Organize extracurricular activities, research competitions, integrate into appropriate subjects on food safety, proper nutrition, and build habits of choosing safe food for students. Instruct students to practice personal hygiene, especially washing hands with soap and clean water before eating to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be transmitted through food; prevent diarrhea, worms, and foodborne diseases.

Organize communication on food safety to teachers, students and parents in many forms: parent meetings, electronic bulletin boards, social networks of the unit; at the same time use visual communication materials (leaflets, posters, videos , handbooks...). Encourage parents to build a model of "Safe meals - reasonable nutrition" at home to synchronize with the school environment.

The Department of Education and Training also requires that the communal kitchen must be designed and arranged according to the one-way principle: raw material reception area - preliminary processing - processing - dividing meals - sample storage. There are insect screens at the entrance and windows. There are separate hand washing and sanitation areas for staff, teachers, employees and students. Ensure enough clean water for drinking and cooking according to the standards of the Ministry of Health.

Regarding food origin and quality: 100% of food must have contracts, invoices, and legal documents; clearly stating the origin and source. Only import food from establishments with food safety certificates or production and business establishments that have declared their products according to regulations. Absolutely do not use food of unknown origin, expired, or spoiled.

Regarding processing and preservation procedures: Strictly implement the "Three-step food inspection", check input materials, check during processing, check before use. Store food samples according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health. Processing and preservation tools must be separate for raw and cooked foods, with labels/signs to distinguish. There must be separate cabinets to store cooked foods and raw ingredients.

Regarding food suppliers, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training requires that the units must have a certificate of food safety eligibility, a clear contract, and invoices and documents proving the origin of the food. Units signing contracts with meal suppliers must assess food safety conditions. The contract must clearly state legal responsibilities if food poisoning occurs or if unsafe food is provided.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/ha-noi-yeu-cau-lam-ro-trach-nhiem-phap-ly-neu-cung-cap-thuc-pham-khong-bao-dam-post748909.html