New rules and incentives transform school meals in Vietnam

The growing online interest in “meal” reflects the recent and significant changes in Vietnam's school feeding policy, which aim to ensure the safety and quality of meals provided to millions of students. New guidelines, ranging from tax incentives for suppliers to rigorous technological monitoring and severe penalties, promise to transform the service system.

Tax incentives for supplying companies

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called for the immediate implementation of a full corporate income‑tax exemption for companies that supply meals to schools and hospitals. This directive, which has received public attention and the support of millions of parents, directly impacts meal costs and the quality of service to pupils.

For companies, the policy eases cost reduction and increases the ability to reinvest in facilities, equipment, human resources and food‑safety control processes. It also encourages the formation of professional suppliers that compete on quality, reputation and responsibility. However, the tax incentives also mean that companies must assume greater responsibility for service quality.

Strict control in Viet Hung district

In Viet Hung district, new measures for the 2026‑2027 school year have been launched to strengthen food safety in schools. The district evaluated and shortlisted companies, selecting 12 eligible establishments to provide meals, ingredients and canteen services. Decentralising contract signing to school principals aims to increase proactivity and link the principal’s responsibility directly to meal quality and food safety.

Suppliers must submit a copy of the Product Liability Insurance Contract before signing, and the meal price must remain fixed throughout the 2026‑2027 school year. Preschool students will pay VND 35,000 per day, while primary and secondary students will pay VND 40,000 per day, a VND 5,000 daily increase compared with the previous school year.

Technology and continuous monitoring

A novelty for the 2026‑2027 school year is the rollout of a district‑wide food‑safety management model, shifting from spot inspections to regular, continuous monitoring. Suppliers and schools must provide accounts and sync data with the district administration, with information available on platforms such as HanoiCheck and HanoiTrack.

Suppliers are required to equip key areas—processing, packaging and delivery—with AI‑powered camera systems, maintaining a 24/7 connection to the unit’s Operations Center. Failure to keep the system running stably is deemed a critical violation. Schools such as Ngo Gia Tu Primary and Chu Van An High‑Quality Primary have already installed cameras and use software data to monitor receipt, preparation, processing, distribution and delivery stages. Chu Van An School even displays QR codes so parents can track and supervise meal quality.

From transport to inspection

Viet Hung district demands strict control over transport. Suppliers may not use intermediaries; 100 % of goods and meals must be delivered directly by specialised closed trucks. For milk and other temperature‑sensitive foods, refrigerated vehicles or insulated containers are mandatory. Moreover, suppliers must equip themselves with rapid‑test kits so schools can verify ingredients on receipt. The district will also conduct surprise inspections and collect food samples for analysis, with all costs borne by the supplying establishments.

Direct impact and responsibilities

The policies aim to improve service quality for students. For families, the direct benefit is lower food costs and the peace of mind that their children are fed safely throughout the school day. In Hai Phong, the policy is significant, affecting more than 223,500 preschool children and over 170,000 primary‑school pupils participating in the boarding program.

Supplier responsibilities are tied to specific penalties. For minor errors, the unit is fined 10 % of the payment amount. If a food‑safety risk is detected, the item must be replaced within 30‑45 minutes. In case of food poisoning, the supplier must cover all medical expenses, compensation for damages, advance remediation funds and will be held legally liable. The ultimate goal is to ensure every school snack is safe, nutritious and contributes to the health and holistic development of students.

With information from Vietnam.vn.