A city invited to learn: Food Safety Month in Hanoi Schools

A typical school lunch tray for a lower secondary student in Hanoi may include rice, a meat dish, soup, and a small portion of vegetables. At first glance, the meal may appear sufficient and appealing to children. But is it truly balanced for healthy growth and development?

Recent assessments conducted in Nam Trung Yen and Yen Hoa Schools in Hanoi showed that school meals generally met students' energy needs and followed good food safety practices. However, their nutritional balance still needed improvement. Students' food preferences often influenced the types of dishes included in the menus, and these frequently contained too much fat, limited vegetables, and deep-fried dishes.

Amid growing concerns over school nutrition and food safety in Vietnam, Rikolto organised a training about "Nutrition and Food Hygiene Safety, and Guidance on Developing School Meal Menus in Educational Institutions", in collaboration with the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Yen Hoa Ward. The session was held on 14 May 2026 at the People's Committee of Yen Hoa Ward (Hanoi), with 400 delegates from preschools, primary and lower secondary schools, educational administrators, boarding kitchen staff, and experts in nutrition and food safety. The activity took place in the context of Hanoi's implementation of the 2026 "Month of Action for Food Safety" campaign in April and May (Plan No. 153/KH-UBND Hanoi People's Committee).