The system, known as HanoiCheck, will combine AI surveillance with a digital database to monitor food preparation, verify food sources and trace ingredients throughout the supply chain.
Authorities said the schools would be selected after on-site assessments of kitchen facilities. The AI system will be trained to detect potential food safety violations and transmit data in real time.
HanoiCheck will also include electronic nutrition records for pupils, digital management of food suppliers, QR code-based traceability and a mobile app allowing parents to view menus, food origins and other information related to school meals.
If successful, the pilot programme could be expanded to schools across the capital.
From the 2026-27 academic year, ward and commune-level authorities will also take over responsibility for selecting food suppliers for school meal programmes, replacing the previous system under which individual schools made those decisions.