On the afternoon of 4/4, during a regular government press conference, Mr. Hoang Duc Minh, Director of the Department of Students, Ministry of Education and Training, announced this requirement. The decision follows an investigation by Hanoi police, which uncovered a network involved in slaughtering and distributing 3,600 pigs infected with african swine fever, totaling 300 tons. Cuong Phat company served as a key distributor, supplying meat to several schools in Hanoi.

The list of schools that received food products from Cuong Phat company has not yet been released.

Mr. Minh stated that publicizing all food and meal providers allows parents, the public, and authorities to monitor and promptly identify any violating entities.

Additionally, schools must immediately review all contracts with meal providers. If any violations are found, contracts should be terminated, and schools must cooperate with authorities for resolution.

Mr. Hoang Duc Minh. *Photo: VGP*

Since early 2026, approximately 3,600 infected pigs, equivalent to nearly 300 tons of meat, have entered the market through wholesale and local markets, and were also supplied to a food enterprise for schools. The case has led to the prosecution of several veterinary officials for bypassing control procedures, creating a closed chain from collection and slaughter to distribution.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease that exclusively affects pigs, including domestic and wild swine. The causative virus (ASFV) spreads rapidly and causes a nearly 100% mortality rate in infected pigs.

Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Duy Thinh, an expert from the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, explained that the african swine fever virus persists in the environment and easily spreads among pigs through respiratory and digestive routes. Individuals who come into contact with pig farms, transport vehicles, or food from sick pigs can also spread the virus.

Farmers often find it difficult to detect infected pigs early, which can lead to rapid spread throughout an entire herd. Pigs with ASF are also susceptible to other diseases such as PRRS, influenza, and typhoid. Even after cooking, toxins may remain in the meat. Consumption of such meat can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even septic shock, which can be fatal.

Furthermore, meat from sick or dead pigs can be contaminated with other bacteria and parasites, such as worms, Salmonella bacteria, and E.coli, leading to food poisoning or dangerous digestive illnesses in humans. Ensuring truly safe pork requires examining the entire supply chain; any overlooked step significantly increases the risk of contamination.

Vu Tuan