Vietnam Food Safety Authority Tightens Controls on Fake Food and Advertising

The Food Safety Department (Cục An toàn thực phẩm) has issued a directive to the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Office, provincial health departments and local food safety agencies to intensify inspection of food production, sales and advertising. The order targets high‑risk products such as milk, dietary supplements, health‑preserving foods and items for children, the elderly and other sensitive groups. Authorities must promptly detect violations, refer criminal cases to investigators and impose strict penalties.

The agency also calls for heightened public communication so consumers can recognise unsafe products, especially during hot weather when spoilage and cross‑contamination risks rise in canteens, factories, schools, markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and online retailers. Inter‑agency coordination with health, police and market‑regulation bodies is required to curb false health‑food advertising on the internet. Violators will be prosecuted under existing food‑safety laws.