Prime Minister Emphasizes Unified Oversight in Amendment of Food Safety Law
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasized the requirement to consolidate food safety management under the Ministry of Health to improve control effectiveness and support businesses.
On the afternoon of October 24, during the group discussion on the draft Law on Food Safety (amended), Prime Minister Le Minh Hung affirmed the importance of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of state management. The core objective is to ensure food safety for the public while creating a favorable environment for business operations.
According to the Prime Minister, the draft Law introduces several significant reforms, including risk-based management, supply chain management, and the promotion of digital transformation. Notably, a unified management mechanism has been clearly defined: the Ministry of Health will serve as the lead agency responsible for food safety nationwide. At the local level, this responsibility lies with the Department of Health, and at the communal level, the Division of Culture and Social Affairs.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasized the principle of "one task, one lead agency" to ensure consistency in direction and execution. The Government will also oversee the legal codification of major issues under the jurisdiction of the National Assembly, such as business rights and conditions for food safety, while reducing the volume of details delegated to Government decrees.
Regarding the post-inspection mechanism, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for strict controls after businesses publish their standards. "The frequency of sampling and testing is an extremely critical issue," the Prime Minister noted. This task requires multilateral coordination, involving not only the Ministry of Health but also the participation of the Vietnam Standards and Consumers Association and legitimate business communities.
Concluding the discussion, the Prime Minister affirmed that combating food safety violations is the responsibility of the entire political system. Upcoming legal regulations will clearly define the responsibilities of each subject, ensuring that the reception and resolution of reports occur rapidly, including the immediate suspension of production in urgent cases to protect consumer health.