Vietnam suspends kindergarten principal after African swine fever found in school pork

The People’s Committee of Van Lang Commune said the principal of Hoa Binh Kindergarten was suspended for 15 days to allow an inspection into the incident.

A sample of minced pork taken from the school kitchen on April 2 tested positive for African swine fever, according to results announced by provincial animal health authorities.

The findings matched earlier test results from samples collected independently by parents, which also showed contamination with E. coli and African swine fever.

The case emerged after parents on March 25 reported that pork served in the school’s semi-boarding kitchen had an unusual odor.

School officials initially said the meat was safe, and the principal and several staff members cooked and ate the pork in front of parents to support that claim.

Ngo Van Tai, a local official, confirmed the positive test result based on samples verified by relevant authorities.

Ha Quang Trong, chairman of the Van Lang Commune People’s Committee, described the incident as serious and potentially harmful to students’ health, though no illnesses have been reported.

Authorities are conducting inspections to determine responsibility among the school’s management, staff, and related parties, he said.

Earlier, Duong Van Luong, deputy chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, ordered police to investigate the source of the contaminated pork and identify those responsible.

Provincial authorities have also instructed agencies to strengthen food safety monitoring across production, slaughter, distribution, and school kitchens.