VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Tran Anh Tuan yesterday said that his ministry and related agencies will consider suspending Vietnam Standards and Consumers Association (Vinastas) from operation concerning to releasing misleading test results of fish sauce causing fears among the public.

Traditional fish sauce is contained in wooden container at a manufacturer in the Mekong delta province of Kien Giang’s Phu Quoc District (Photo: SGGP)

Before, the Ministry of Industry and Trade asked the Vietnam Competition Authority and related agencies to set up an inspection team. Inspectors will issue harsh penalties on Vinatas’ violations and report to the Prime Minister before November 10.

Deputy Minister Tuan said that an announcement of the quality of products must have permission of ministries of Science and Technology, Health, Agriculture and Rural Development and Industry and Trade. Even the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) must have permission from the government when it announces the origin of a product.

Vinatas’ announcement of its survey of fish sauce without ministry-level’s permission causing concerns among the public violated the regulation; accordingly, the ministries decided to suspend its operation for further investigation.    

SGGP