In light of ongoing food safety issues in Hanoi, the city's Party Committee is urging consumers to denounce and boycott unsafe food products. This call for action is part of a broader initiative to strengthen food safety management.

The city's interdisciplinary food safety inspection team at Davidcorp Vietnam JSC in Thanh Tri District. Photo: Tran Thao/The Hanoi Times

Positive developments

Increased awareness campaigns and regular inspections have greatly improved the understanding of food safety among managers, producers, and consumers alike, according to the directive.

A citywide food safety steering committee has been set up and is working to improve management systems to meet practical requirements. 

According to the Hanoi Food Safety and Hygiene Department, there are currently more than 72,000 food production and processing enterprises in Hanoi, but only about 39,000 of them are under the supervision of the health sector.

In the first half of 2024, more than 600 inspection teams were dispatched to identify non-compliance, improving the effectiveness of food safety management.

In the last few months of this year, Hanoi will focus on ensuring food safety around schools and will conduct food safety checks during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since August, a special plan has been in place to strengthen food safety measures in and around schools.

Accountability for food safety

The directive emphasizes that despite some progress in food safety in Hanoi, significant challenges remain. The city's Party Committee notes that there is still a lack of food safety awareness among producers, traders, and consumers. Many producers prioritize profit over consumer welfare, resorting to smuggled goods, food of unclear origin, and contaminated products.

Recent foodborne illness events highlight the limited effectiveness of government food safety management.

In response, the Hanoi Party Committee insists that all local authorities and Party committees strictly implement the Party Secretariat's Directive No. 17. It calls for stronger leadership and active participation by all levels of government in ensuring food safety.

The directive underscores the importance of integrating food safety criteria into annual economic and social development plans. Local leaders would be held accountable for food safety in their jurisdictions. It highlights that protecting public health is a collective responsibility across the political system.

Firm action against food safety breaches

Hanoi's directive emphasizes the need to strengthen food safety inspection and supervision. Authorities are urged to take firm action against organizations and individuals who break food safety regulations.

There is a particular focus on preventing corruption and conflicts of interest in food safety enforcement. The city calls for timely and appropriate rewards for those who report violations and to ensure their protection.

"In addition, strict measures will be taken against those who falsely accuse legitimate businesses of violating food safety regulations. The aim is to promote a transparent and safe environment for food production and trade," the directive said.