Head of the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) under the Ministry of Health Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phong yesterday said that six inspection teams will be set up for food safety in Tet holidays (the Lunar New Year) and festive season 2017.

The inspection teams will pay visits to food businesses in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the northern provinces of Bac Ninh, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, the central provinces of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and the southern provinces of Binh Phuoc, An Giang, Dong Thap.

In addition, Inter-department steering committee of food safety asked departments of health in cities and provinces nationwide to give counseling to People’s Committees in implementation of the issue of food safety in the special holidays. 

Local governments should establish inter-department inspection teams in localities with the participation of the fatherland front committees in checking food problem.

VFA director said that inspectors will call on giant businesses of essential products for the holidays such as meat, fish, eggs, confectioneries, soft beverage, and veggies.

Additionally, they will focus on checking big cities and  wholesale markets. During inspection, harsh penalties will be issued if any violation is detected to deter people from making unsafe food.

SGGP