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 relevant parties, including the school’s administration, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the Ward People’s Committee.
Parents Seek Clarification on Substandard Food Allegations
Around 7 PM the same day, after a long wait, the 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 was attended by Ms. T., who had posted allegations on social media about the school’s procurement of substandard food.
During the discussion, parents demanded that the school administration confirm whether Ms. T.’s allegations were true. They asked if the school was aware of the repeated procurement of substandard food, whether this food was served to students, and who would be held accountable if it was.
Whistleblower: “If I’m Lying, I’ll Take Full Responsibility”
Ms. Nga began by apologizing to the parents for the incident. She confirmed that substandard food had indeed been delivered to the school’s kitchen but assured that it had not been served to students.
“The issue occurred in the kitchen, but we took immediate action to prevent students from consuming the substandard food,” Ms. Nga stated.
The principal emphasized that the matter was under investigation by the authorities and promised to share the official results with parents as soon as they were 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 assert that the substandard food had been cooked and served to students, contrary to the school’s claims.
“Out of moral and ethical responsibility, 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 the authorities on August 11 but had not received any response.
Ms. T., the whistleblower who exposed the substandard food allegations at T.V. Elementary School.
Regarding her termination from the school, Ms. T. explained that the former kitchen team, who had filed the complaint, was unexpectedly dismissed. She noted that the team 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. mentioned that their contracts ended on May 31, but they were only called for a meeting on June 2.
“After we raised the issues, it became clear that even the teachers had unknowingly consumed the substandard food. There were times when we ate it without realizing it,” Ms. T. revealed.
Commit to Sharing Investigation Results with Parents
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt, stated that the evening meeting aimed to understand the concerns of teachers and parents regarding the incident.
He assured that the authorities would thoroughly investigate the matter, ensuring fairness and accountability. “We will address the issue to the fullest extent, and those responsible will face consequences,” Mr. Hà affirmed.
Parents demand a meeting with the administration of T.V. Elementary School.
Regarding the earlier complaint about substandard food, Mr. Hà confirmed that the ward had received the petition and immediately summoned the complainants for a meeting. However, as the complaint was filed collectively, the ward requested that a single representative be designated to take responsibility for the allegations.
After providing guidance, the ward invited the complainants for further discussions, asking them to submit relevant evidence. At that time, the complainants could only provide photos and lacked sufficient documentation for a thorough investigation.
“Given the impact on student health and public concern, we forwarded the case to specialized agencies and the police for further action,” Mr. Hà explained.
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt.
Mr. Hà assured that the investigation was ongoing, and the police were actively involved. Once the final results were available, the ward would promptly inform the parents. He urged the community to remain calm and trust the process.
|
Multiple Allegations of Substandard Food at T.V. Elementary School As previously reported by Người Lao Động Newspaper, a social media post accused T.V. Elementary School of procuring food that did not meet safety standards for students. The allegations claimed that the school’s food supplier had repeatedly delivered substandard products from late 2024 to April 2025. In the 2025-2026 academic year, the school has 1,700 students, including 700 boarding students. Following the social media post, many parents expressed concern, with some opting to take their children home rather than allowing them to eat at the school. The Lâm Đồng Provincial People’s Committee has directed the Xuân Hương Ward People’s Committee in Đà Lạt to urgently collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate the allegations of substandard food procurement at T.V. Elementary School. |
