VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat has urged relevant agencies to tighten inspection and control over food products, particularly vegetables and meat, to ensure safety and hygiene during the coming Tet (lunar New Year) holiday.

An animal health department officer examines and seals meat that's safe for consumption. (Photo: VNS)
Inspection would be carried out for products on sale in markets and relevant agencies would inquire as to products' origins with harsh punishment for violators, Phat said.

"Producers found to have committed serious violation of these rules will be required to make compensations for their low-quality products, or stop their business altogether," he stressed.

Supervision would also increase at slaughterhouses and vegetable growing areas in the lead up to the largest festival of the year, he said.

Director of National Agro-forestry-fisheries Quality Assurance Department Nguyen Nhu Tiep said violations of food safety and hygiene rules showed no sign of reduction despite the efforts of agencies.

Reports from agriculture and rural development departments in 36 areas showed 694 out of 8,300 inspected businesses violated food safety and hygiene regulations.

Inspections in 2011 found nearly 5.6 per cent of checked vegetable products violated plant chemical standards while the figure for 2010 was 5.3 per cent. Illegal importation of animal products across borders is on the rise, particularly in northern border areas and relevant agencies in Quang Ninh, Lang Son and Lao Cai provinces have seized nearly 235,000kg of poultry and livestock products so far this year, an increase of more than 6,800kg in comparison with 2010.

Under food safety law, which took effect from July last year, the highest fine for violators is VND100 million (US$4,800).

Meanwhile, the health ministry announced yesterday a nationwide action month for food safety and hygiene for the Tet holidays will kick off on January 10 with a target of reducing the number of food poisoning cases by 10 per cent compared to last year.

Over 10,000 cases of food poisoning were reported in the country during last year's Tet holiday.

The action month will focus on raising awareness for food manufacturers, processing businesses and traders to obey safety and hygiene regulations.

Food safety and hygiene inspection will also increase, with strict enforcement of regulations and fines.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News