Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety: "Many schools choose familiar food suppliers"

According to Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, the current concern is the "family-based cronyism" in the selection of school meal providers, with many schools choosing partners who are acquaintances of the school's leadership.

Ho Chi Minh City leaders exchange views with delegates at the session. Photo: VIET DUNG

Speaking at the question-and-answer session on the morning of December 10 within the framework of the 6th session of the 10th term of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, term 2021-2026, the Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety affirmed that the Department will strengthen inspection and supervision, and at the same time call on the representative board of parents to participate in supervision from the first stage to "build a fence" to ensure food safety in schools.

Standing Committee of HCMC People's Council chaired the meeting. Photo: VIET DUNG

According to Ms. Lan, Ho Chi Minh City currently has approximately 3,500 schools with various models of school kitchen organization, ranging from self-cooking on-site, ordering meals, to outsourcing services. In this context, choosing a reputable supplier with all necessary licenses and ensuring food safety is absolutely essential.

The Department of Food Safety regularly coordinates with the Department of Education and Training to organize training courses to raise awareness of food safety for the entire school system. From principals to kitchen staff, everyone must participate, with a high sense of responsibility, considering food safety as a mandatory task. In particular, the principal will be responsible if a food safety incident occurs. According to the assessment, this activity has created a positive change in the awareness and actions of educational institutions.

Delegates attending the meeting. Photo: VIET DUNG

At the question and answer session, delegate Doan Ngoc Nhu Tam raised the issue of food safety management currently still mainly following traditional methods, while in reality, more and more food transactions are taking place on the internet. The delegate suggested that it is necessary to switch to a management model based on electronic data platforms. In addition, the delegate also questioned the Department's management responsibility when the "3 no" food situation appeared; the supervision of collective kitchens in schools and industrial zones; as well as requested clarification on what additional tools and techniques are needed to trace the origin of goods when they reach the people.

Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, presented at the meeting. Photo: VIET DUNG

Responding to questions, the Director of the Department of Food Safety admitted that managing e-commerce is a common difficulty. When an incident occurs, if consumers do not proactively report it, it will be difficult for authorities to handle, especially for transactions via e-commerce platforms, where many suppliers are anonymous.

Regarding collective kitchens, Ms. Lan said that the Department has coordinated with distributors to conduct assessments and grant licenses for all food safety conditions. At the same time, stores supplying food to meal providers are also required to have a clear certificate of origin, to limit the "anonymous" situation like in the online environment.

Faced with the situation of many small websites promoting and selling food but with unclear addresses, causing difficulties in inspection and handling, the Department has required all products consumed online or directly in the city to carry out product declaration procedures according to regulations. In addition, the Department also encourages people to proactively complain and reflect when discovering incorrect and non-transparent information about food.

On the second working day of the session, the People's Council of Ho Chi Minh City questioned the Director of the Department of Food Safety on the management and handling of violations related to food safety. At the same time, delegates also questioned the Director of the Department of Construction on the progress of implementing key public investment projects; solutions to reduce traffic congestion; the implementation of the social housing development program and the issuance of home ownership certificates at apartment buildings in the city.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council Vo Van Minh emphasized that the question and answer activities must demonstrate the high sense of responsibility of the leaders, focusing on dialogue, frank debate, clarifying causes, responsibilities and solutions. Departments and branches must provide a specific implementation roadmap, meeting the legitimate requirements and expectations of voters and people of the city.

NGO BINH - AUTUMN - CAM NUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/giam-doc-so-attp-tphcm-nhieu-truong-chon-don-vi-cung-cap-suat-an-la-nguoi-quen-post827828.html