However, many parents were frustrated as they were not allowed to attend the meeting, leading them to wait outside and demand a meeting with the school’s administration, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the local Ward People’s Committee.
Parents Seek Answers on Substandard Food Allegations
Around 7 PM that day, after a long wait, parents began discussions with Ms. Nguyễn Thái Quỳnh Nga, Principal of T.V. Elementary School, and Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt.
Notably, the meeting included Ms. T., who had posted allegations on social media about the school’s procurement of substandard food.
During the meeting, parents demanded that the school administration confirm whether Ms. T.’s allegations were true. They asked if the school was aware of the substandard food being supplied, whether this food had been served to students, and who would be held accountable if it had.
Whistleblower: “If I’m Lying, I’ll Take Full Responsibility”
Ms. Nga began by apologizing to parents for the incident. She confirmed that substandard food had indeed been delivered to the school’s kitchen but asserted that it had not been served to students.
“The issue occurred in the kitchen, but we ensured that students did not consume the substandard food,” Ms. Nga stated.
The principal added that the case is under investigation by authorities, and official results would be shared with parents as soon as available.
Ms. Nguyễn Thái Quỳnh Nga, Principal of T.V. Elementary School, addresses parents on the evening of September 18.
Ms. T., a former kitchen staff member who posted the allegations, stood up to confront the claims, insisting that the substandard food had been cooked and served to students, contrary to the school’s denial.
“For the sake of conscience and ethics, I cannot remain silent. If my statements are false, I am willing to face legal consequences,” Ms. T. declared.
She added that she and other kitchen staff had filed a complaint with authorities on August 11 but had not received a response.
Ms. T., the whistleblower who exposed substandard food procurement at T.V. Elementary School.
Regarding her termination, Ms. T. claimed that the former kitchen team, who filed the complaint, was unexpectedly dismissed. She explained that they had initially requested a meeting to address the substandard food issue, but the principal denied their request. It was only after they submitted a complaint to the Party Committee that a meeting was granted.
Ms. T. stated that on May 31, their contracts ended, but they were not summoned for a meeting until June 2. “After we raised the issues, teachers realized they too had unknowingly consumed the substandard food,” she said.
Authorities Pledge to Share Investigation Results
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee, explained that the meeting aimed to address concerns from teachers and parents. He assured that the issue would be thoroughly investigated, with appropriate actions taken against any wrongdoing.
Parents demand answers from T.V. Elementary School’s administration.
Regarding the earlier complaint, Mr. Hà noted that the ward had received it and invited the complainants for discussions. However, as it was a group complaint, they were asked to designate a representative. Despite this, the complainants could not provide sufficient evidence beyond photos.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations and their impact on student health, we escalated the case to specialized agencies and law enforcement for further investigation,” Mr. Hà explained.
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee.
He assured that the investigation is ongoing and that the ward would promptly inform parents of the final results, urging them to remain calm.
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Multiple Complaints About Food Quality at T.V. Elementary School As previously reported by Người Lao Động Newspaper, social media posts alleged that T.V. Elementary School had been supplied with substandard food from late 2024 to April 2025. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the school has 1,700 students, including 700 boarding students. Following the allegations, many parents expressed concern, with some opting to take their children home rather than allowing them to eat at school. The Lâm Đồng Provincial People’s Committee has directed Xuân Hương Ward to collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate the claims of substandard food procurement at T.V. Elementary School. |
Midnight Confrontation Over Contaminated School Food in Da Lat
The principal of T.V. Elementary School (Xuân Hương Ward, Đà Lạt) has confirmed the occurrence of substandard food being introduced into the school’s food supply.
