Some students at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology complained via national broadcaster Vietnam Television's reportage aired on Monday evening that they had been served with leftovers at the university’s canteen for students for two weeks.

According to the program broadcast at 6:35 pm, the students reported that during their two-week national defense and security course, they dined at the university’s student canteen.

Some students were tasked with collecting leftover rice from the tables and distributing it to the canteen workers.

Consequently, the leftover rice was placed back into a container for the next diners.

Similarly, the uneaten soup was used to refill the food container rather than seen as waste.

Besides, several students sometimes discovered some strange objects in their servings at the canteen.

Some said in the reportage that they had found rotten boiled eggs, flies, and even mouse droppings in their meals.

Students attending the course had previously paid VND1.63 million (US$65.5) for their stay and meals in two weeks.

The university management board, along with VTV reporters, met with the food supplier to the canteen after students complained to the television station about allegedly unsanitary meals.

In response to the complaints, the university called for stricter inspections of food safety at its canteen and emphasized the need to address such issues effectively.

The canteen serves an average of 2,000 meals daily to students participating in the national defense and security course, charging VND 85,000 ($3.40) for three meals.

Associate Prof. Dr. Huynh Dang Chinh, deputy director of the university, told reporters on Tuesday that a national defense and security course is open to nearly 500 students.

The university temporarily closed the canteen on the same day, he said, adding that the students could now eat meals at a separate canteen for teachers.

“Following the incident, the management board decided to terminate the contract with the food supplier to the canteen and to pay closer attention to the meals served to students," Chinh said.

"They will also actively seek feedback and complaints regarding food quality from students.”

He added that the management board was taken aback by the complaints, especially since many faculty members from the national defense and security department frequently dine with their students at the canteen.

However, they were yet to discover any unpleasant situation, he claimed.

Chinh assessed the reuse of leftovers for students as an unacceptable act, affirming that the university would seriously handle this case to ensure students’ health and reassure their parents and the community.

“The incident has tarnished the university's reputation, but it was the food supply unit that acted improperly. The university itself did not directly provide the meals for the students,” he said.

A university representative confirmed that students' reports of finding cockroaches in their meals on two occasions were accurate.

However, the representative noted that the university had not received any formal complaints about the meals from the students.

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