Prime Minister Directs Enhanced Management of Food Safety and School Meals

During a working session with the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies on the afternoon of September 8, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of refining the legal framework in the health and food safety sectors. Notably, the project to amend and supplement several health-related laws, scheduled to be submitted to the National Assembly in October 2026, will focus on addressing practical challenges, prioritizing the health and rights of the public above all else.

Regarding the Law on Food Safety (amended), the Prime Minister requested the health sector to shift its management focus from pre-market inspection to post-market surveillance. Specifically, agencies are tasked with reducing unnecessary licensing procedures while establishing a comprehensive monitoring and early warning system. Developing a database for food traceability throughout the supply chain has been identified as a key priority.

In particular, the head of the Government directed stricter management of street food, mass catering facilities, and school meal providers. Food safety risk management models must be implemented synchronously to thoroughly prevent hygiene violations, which remain a primary concern for parents and society at large.

In addition to food safety, the Prime Minister also instructed the amendment of the Law on Pharmacy to promote information transparency, mandatory public price listing, and the removal of bottlenecks in drug procurement. The objective is to ensure the adequate supply of essential medicines at reasonable prices, while strictly controlling profit margins through a national data linkage mechanism from manufacturers to hospitals.