VietNamNet Bridge – The maximum fines for food safety and hygiene violations of individuals is up to VND100 million ($5,000) and VND200 million ($10,000) for institutions instead of VND15 million ($750) as previously.

The fines can reach billions VND if the violations are harmful to society, according to a newly-approved decree, which will take effect from December 31, 2013.

Specifically, the act of using materials of unknown origin, materials without certificate of origin issued by state agencies will be subject to VND30-50 million fines ($1,500-2,500). The fines on the use of food additives out of the permitted list will be increased up to VND30-40 million ($1,500-2,000) and up to VND70-100 million ($3,500-5,000) if the additives contain toxins.

Sidewalk food stalls will be fined from VND300,000 to VND500,000 if they do not have appropriate tools to ensure food safety or the food sellers touch food by hands. If using expired raw materials, food additives or those of unknown origin, food processors will be fined from VND500,000 to VND1 million ($25 - $50).

Mr. Tran Quang Trung, Director of the Food Safety Department under the Ministry of Health believed that the new fines are high enough to prevent food safety violations.

Trung said that in special case, if the violations are harmful to society, the fines may reach billion VND (hundreds of thousands of USD).

According to Trung, food safety is dependent on economic and social situation and the awareness of the people. People should buy products of clear origin and pay special attention to food processing.

Le Ha