After 15 years of implementation, Vietnam’s legal framework for food safety is facing significant adjustments to overcome administrative barriers and enhance public health protection.
Identifying bottlenecks in current regulations Drafting authorities indicate that the existing management system is fragmented, leading to a lack of synchronization in controlling quality, safety, and counterfeit goods. Certain legal concepts, such as “food supplements launched for the first time,” remain ambiguous, creating difficulties for both businesses and enforcement agencies. Notably, current sanctions are insufficient, as the law does not yet allow for the revocation of product registration certificates or advertising approvals even when fraudulent records or prohibited substances are discovered.
Two core policy change groups The Ministry of Health has proposed a revised Law on Food Safety focusing on two main pillars:
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Strict control over high-risk product groups: Shifting management methods towards a combination of “pre-inspection” and “post-inspection.” Establishments producing high-risk foods are required to apply advanced quality management systems, ensuring safety from the factory to the consumer according to international standards.
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Restructuring towards a single-point-of-contact model: Consolidating the management apparatus from central to local levels to avoid overlapping responsibilities between ministries (Health, Agriculture, and Industry & Trade). This policy emphasizes maximum decentralization to Provincial People’s Committees, enhancing the role and accountability of local authorities in monitoring and handling violations within their jurisdictions.
Technology integration and information transparency The new draft also aims to complete the national food management database. Requirements for traceability via barcodes or QR codes on packaging will be standardized. This will not only improve product information transparency but also create favorable conditions for legitimate businesses while ensuring maximum protection for consumers’ rights