80TH Anniversary August Revolution and National Day
Log in
Business

Consumers urged to boycott unsafe foods

Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen signed Directive No. 34-CT/TU on August 16, 2024, to strengthen the leadership of local Party committees in ensuring food safety.

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.

Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Food safety in Hanoi makes great strides

Food safety in Hanoi makes great strides

18 Aug, 11:36

Hanoi's health sector has stepped up inspections and controls at food facilities and improved awareness and law enforcement, according to the Hanoi Health Department.

Vietnam's manufacturing targets breakthroughs in global value chains

Vietnam's manufacturing targets breakthroughs in global value chains

As the global manufacturing landscape evolves, Vietnam’s growth hinges on shifting its focus from volume to stronger capabilities, strategic partnerships, and greater professionalism.

Vietnam removes 30,000 fake social media accounts in H1

Vietnam removes 30,000 fake social media accounts in H1

Transnational online scams have caused huge monetary damage to individuals and organizations.

World Bank praises Vietnam’s progress in public debt management

World Bank praises Vietnam’s progress in public debt management

Administrative and economic reforms have helped Vietnam keep public debt under control.

Vietnam set to lead ASEAN economic growth in 2025: AMRO

Vietnam set to lead ASEAN economic growth in 2025: AMRO

Vietnam’s positive GDP growth forecast is backed by its strong performance in the first half of 2025.

Amazon to support 30 Vietnamese firms go global 

Amazon to support 30 Vietnamese firms go global 

Amazon Global Selling Vietnam will help Vietnamese companies strengthen their global competitiveness through e-commerce and digital transformation.

Vietnamese economy to remain resilient in 2025-2026: ADB

Vietnamese economy to remain resilient in 2025-2026: ADB

Despite global uncertainties, economic and administrative reform will bolster Vietnam's economic growth in 2025 and 2026.

PM urges Japan to invest in Vietnam’s major infrastructure projects

PM urges Japan to invest in Vietnam’s major infrastructure projects

The contributions of the Japanese corporation benefit the localities hosting the projects and help advance the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

Khanh Hoa to host first post-merger investor conference to boost business confidence

Khanh Hoa to host first post-merger investor conference to boost business confidence

Through this conference, Khanh Hoa is committed to providing the best business environment for investors, as the province aims to become a centrally governed city by 2030.