In response to the reflection that foods with a foul smell were put into the kitchen of Cu Khe Primary School (Binh Minh Commune, Hanoi), on October 16, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Dao, Head of the Department of Culture - Social Affairs of Binh Minh Commune, said: The Commune People's Committee has established an interdisciplinary team of the commune, coordinated with the City Food Safety and Hygiene Department to work with the school and took samples for inspection.
The inspection team will also work with the catering and food supply unit to clarify related issues.
Regarding the information that parents of students reported that the Commune People's Committee appointed a bidder instead of bidding to select a unit to provide meals - Ms. Dao said that the Youth Union is conducting an inspection and will notify later.
Previously, on October 15, information appeared on the parent group of Cu Khe Primary School about the food source provided to the school's boarding kitchen that did not meet requirements after the school's food receipt supervision session held on the morning of October 15.
The information was that through monitoring, quail eggs and some meat on the vehicle were transported to have a smell. Some food processing tools in the kitchen of the school were also reported to be rusty and dirty.
Some parents with children studying at Cu Khe Primary School shared that they are very worried if their children eat dirty food.
Immediately after receiving the information (11am on October 15), the People's Committee of Binh Minh commune requested the departments and functional offices to work with Cu Khe Primary School to grasp the situation and report to the People's Committee of the commune.
On the afternoon of October 15, representatives of the Department of Culture - Social Affairs of Binh Minh commune, the Board of Directors of the school, the Parents' Association and Nhat Anh Trading and Export-Export Company Limited (the unit providing meals) had a direct meeting.
At the meeting, a representative of Nhat Anh Company admitted that there were shortcomings in the reception and transportation of food. The vehicle is not yet complying with maintenance standards and the food is not packed with vacuum bags as prescribed.
Director of Nhat Anh Company Phan Duc Long has apologized and committed to terminating the contract with the food supplier of Canh Hau Cooperative (Bac Ninh province) and finding new sources of supply to ensure food safety and hygiene.
Also at the meeting, the Department of Culture and Social Affairs of Binh Minh commune requested Nhat Anh Company to terminate the contract with the old supplier and replace kitchen appliances to ensure hygiene and food safety. In addition, Cu Khe Primary School strengthens internal supervision and organizes training on food safety knowledge for staff and kitchen staff.
Head of the Department of Culture and Social Affairs of Binh Minh commune, Nguyen Thi Anh Dao, said that periodic and surprise inspections will be increased at all boarding kitchens in the area, to prevent similar situations from occurring. The coordination of the three parties: Schools, parents and suppliers is a key factor in ensuring the safety of students.
Chairman of Binh Minh Commune People's Committee Nguyen Dang Viet emphasized that school food safety is a top priority task. The Department of Culture - Social Affairs, Health Stations and schools in the area need to strengthen periodic inspection and supervision of boarding kitchens, not to let similar situations happen.
Food suppliers must clearly commit to the origin, transportation, preservation process, and be responsible for any violations; recommending that Cu Khe Primary School continue to closely coordinate with parents and specialized agencies, considering food hygiene and safety as the annual emulation assessment criterion of the unit.
