Ministry of Health issues urgent directive: Ensuring food safety and preventing poisoning after floods

The Vietnam Food Administration (Ministry of Health) has issued an official directive requiring the Departments of Health in Northern and Central provinces to intensify food safety measures and prevent food poisoning following the impact of Storm No. 4 and subsequent flooding.

To proactively prevent contamination and foodborne diseases, local authorities are mandated to promote the 'eat cooked, drink boiled' principle. Residents are advised to use only treated water, maintain hand hygiene, and store food in dry, clean conditions. The consumption of flood-contaminated, spoiled, or damaged food products must be strictly avoided.

The administration emphasizes the critical need to monitor water supplies in flooded areas. Local health agencies must provide clear instructions on filtering and disinfecting water, ensuring it is boiled before use. Furthermore, immediate action is required to clear waste, dispose of dead animals, and clean drainage systems to maintain environmental sanitation.

Oversight will be tightened for food production facilities, catering services, communal kitchens, and relief food distribution points. Authorities are tasked with the timely detection, recall, and destruction of unsafe products to prevent contaminated items from entering the supply chain. Additionally, the use of fresh manure as fertilizer for crops is strictly prohibited.

In the event of food poisoning incidents, local authorities must coordinate rapid emergency response and treatment, while conducting thorough investigations and sample testing to isolate the source of contamination and prevent further outbreaks.