• It is possible to serve meals to the masses without a degree in food processing or an understanding of food preservation.
• Despite regulations, enforcement is difficult due to fragmented oversight.
• The result? Foodborne illnesses and diet-related diseases remain alarmingly common.

We are faced with a paradox. We expect food to be safe, yet many people do not prioritize food safety in their daily lives. Why is this so? The answer lies in the complex, fragmented food safety system that exists in many countries, including Vietnam. Food safety regulations are in place to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses, but enforcement is often difficult due to the multiple agencies involved. In Vietnam, for example, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Health, and other local authorities are responsible for regulating different aspects of food safety. This can lead to confusion and overlapping responsibilities.

Fragmented Oversight

In many cases, enforcement is not effective due to the lack of coordination and communication among these agencies. This can lead to inconsistent and inadequate enforcement, which can result in food safety issues being left unaddressed.

The Consequences of Inadequate Enforcement

• Foodborne illnesses and diet-related diseases are still alarmingly common.
• Street food vendors often slip through the cracks, with many cases of food poisoning going unreported.
• Sanctions for large-scale producers are often inadequate, with few consequences for smaller producers.

The consequences of inadequate enforcement are severe. Foodborne illnesses and diet-related diseases continue to plague communities, with many cases going unreported. Street food vendors often fall through the cracks, and smaller producers may not be held accountable for their actions.

Raising Awareness and Stiffening Penalties

To truly prioritize consumers’ health, it is essential to raise awareness among producers and food handlers about the importance of food safety. Backed by harsh, uncompromising penalties, such as those outlined in Decree 168, this can help to ensure that food safety rules are followed.

“Decree 168” could be a model for food safety regulations, with its focus on severe penalties for those who fail to comply.

Anyone entering the food business, whether as a processor or a street vendor, must understand and comply with food safety rules. It is the only way to truly prioritize consumers’ health.

Centralizing Food Safety Management

To achieve true change, food safety management must be centralized under a single authority. This will help to ensure that food safety regulations are consistently enforced, and that those who fail to comply are held accountable.

The current system of ‘five fathers, three mothers’ – where no one takes full responsibility – must be addressed. Only then can we hope to leave behind the nightmare of dirty, dangerous food.

A safe meal begins with strong enforcement. Vietnam needs a ‘Decree 168’ version for food safety – and soon.

The Importance of Clear Sourcing and Preservation

• Clear sourcing of ingredients is essential to ensure that food is safe and healthy.
• Minimum preservation standards are necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Expired food must be disposed of, not sold off at a discount.

Food processing must come with clear sourcing, minimum preservation standards, and an absolute rule: expired food must be disposed of, not sold off at a discount.

This is the only way to ensure that food is safe and healthy for consumers.

The Way Forward

Change is possible, no matter how difficult.