Hanoi penalizes 16 school food suppliers over safety violations

The figures were released in a report submitted by the Hanoi People’s Committee to the municipal People’s Council on the implementation of food safety regulations across the city.

During the first half of 2026, inter-agency inspection teams carried out 248 inspections, uncovering violations at 59 establishments.

Authorities imposed fines totaling nearly VND2.8 billion (US$107,000) and destroyed non-compliant food products worth more than VND100 million ($3,810).

In addition, related departments and agencies inspected or conducted follow-up reviews at 239 establishments, penalizing 99 businesses with total fines of nearly VND1.9 billion ($72,350).

The municipal Department of Health also established 366 inspection teams to examine 9,466 institutional kitchens and food service establishments.

Of those inspected, 7,980 were found to meet food safety standards, while 1,452 facilities were penalized, receiving combined fines of VND7.4 billion ($281,750).

As part of inspections into school meal programs during the 2025-26 academic year, inspection teams visited multiple communes and wards across Hanoi.

The inspections resulted in penalties against 16 suppliers providing ingredients to school kitchens, with total fines approaching VND800 million ($30,500).

Authorities also held several organizations and individuals accountable for shortcomings in the management of school meal services in the communes and wards of Thuong Tin, Thuong Phuc, Trung Gia, Soc Son, Binh Minh, and Thanh Oai.

In addition, the municipal Department of Health inspected 28 bottled drinking water producers that supply schools, and tested 20 product samples.

Eight companies were fined a combined VND450 million ($17,140), while four facilities were suspended from operating for two months.

Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade investigated and handled 1,299 food safety violations and related offenses.

Among those cases, 26 showing signs of criminal conduct were transferred to investigative authorities.

Administrative fines imposed during the period totaled VND17.6 billion ($670,190).

Officials also ordered the destruction of smuggled food products, goods of unknown origin, unsafe food items, and other non-compliant products valued at more than VND19 billion ($723,450).

The department also inspected 43 food manufacturing and trading companies, imposing fines on nine businesses committing food safety violations.

The Hanoi People’s Committee said all food safety violations are publicly disclosed through mass media and the official websites of relevant agencies, a measure intended to strengthen deterrence and help consumers make informed choices when purchasing food.