Revised Food Safety Law: Tightening Post-Market Inspection and Strengthening Legal Framework
The Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment evaluates the draft revised Food Safety Law, focusing on administrative reform and digital transformation in food management.
On the evening of September 21, the Standing Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment held an expanded session to conduct a preliminary appraisal of the draft revised Food Safety Law. The session was chaired by the Chairwoman of the Committee, Nguyen Thanh Hai, with the participation of drafting agencies and National Assembly representatives.
The primary objective of revising the 2010 Food Safety Law is to address practical obstacles while strengthening the responsibilities of regulatory agencies, businesses, and the public. The draft focuses on building a national food safety database, tightening post-market inspections, and promoting digital technology applications for supply chain monitoring.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee Nguyen Phuong Tuan emphasized that the new draft law aims to reform administrative procedures and decentralize management. The scope covers the rights and obligations of businesses, regulations on traceability, food labeling, and management of new business models such as e-commerce and online food delivery.
After 15 years of implementing the 2010 Law, delegates noted that fragmented management models and inconsistent risk analysis mechanisms are persistent issues. Shifting from pre-market checks to post-market inspections is identified as a key solution to ensure effective law enforcement in the modern era.
Chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Hai directed the drafting agency to carefully review specific mechanisms, particularly those with significant impact. The Ministry of Health is required to coordinate closely with relevant ministries and sectors to ensure legal consistency and feasibility during practical implementation.
