During the Government press conference on February 4, Ministry of Health officials addressed current obstacles in the state inspection of imported agricultural and fresh food products. To resolve these issues, ministries are collaborating to propose a specific guiding resolution to the Government.
Resolving bottlenecks for imported agricultural products
Operational challenges have been reported at several locations regarding the clearance of imported agricultural, aquatic, and fresh products due to initial difficulties in implementing new state inspection procedures.
Following directives from Government leaders, the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Industry and Trade have met to unify solutions:
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Proposed Guiding Resolution: The ministries are currently drafting a proposal for a Government resolution to provide clear instructions on implementing existing regulations, ensuring smoother operations for businesses.
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Sector Status: For products managed specifically by the Ministry of Health, no significant obstacles have been reported to date.
Strengthening food safety for the Lunar New Year and Spring Festivals
Parallel to streamlining administrative procedures, the health sector is intensifying food safety measures for the peak consumption season:
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Specialized Inspections: Multiple inspection teams have been established nationwide, focusing on high-risk and high-consumption categories such as meat, alcohol, and seafood.
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Higher Production Standards: New regulations have raised the criteria for manufacturing medical nutritional products and dietary supplements to ensure higher safety levels.
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Digital Market Monitoring: Surveillance of food advertisements on electronic platforms and cyberspace is being strengthened to prevent misinformation and deceptive marketing.
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Post-market Surveillance: Increased sampling and market monitoring are being implemented to promptly recall non-compliant products and ensure only safe goods reach consumers.
The Government has emphasized that the goal is to dual-track: ensuring smooth trade and timely clearance while maintaining rigorous food safety standards to protect public health.