Danang City authorities will distribute one million stamps at no charge for food vendors at Han market in Danang City this year in a bid to control the origin and quality of food.

Chinese tourists buy dried food at Han market in Danang

Speaking to the Daily on March 28, Danang Department of Industry and Trade director Phan Van Kha said this is part of a scheme for using quick response code (QR code) stamps for improving food safety and hygiene control in Danang.

According to the scheme, the municipal government will set aside VND450 million (US$19,730) for the department to survey markets, assess the scheme, build a QR code management system, and encourage food sellers to use the free stamps.

The scheme is aimed at protecting local consumers and tourists and the reputation of Danang specialties. Buyers can use QR scanning apps to trace the origin of products with QR code stamps.

In the early stage, the scheme will cover processed food like dried seafood, Vietnamese-style pork sausage and fermented fish, Kha said. It will be expanded to other large markets in the city like Con and Dong Da.

Tong Thi Kim Sen, owner of a dried food stand at Han market, said she supports the scheme and hopes it will be implemented properly and transparently.

Nguyen Thi Can, who has sold homemade fermented fish at the market for years, said the stamps will help protect her brand from counterfeit products.

According to the Management Board of Danang Markets and Fair Exhibitions, there are 70 markets across the city at present. The four largest markets – Con, Han, Dong Da and Hoa Cuong – are home to nearly 5,000 vendors.

SGT