Prime Minister's request regarding prevention and handling of food poisoning in Vietnam

Prime Minister's request regarding prevention and handling of food poisoning in Vietnam (Internet image) 

On May 3, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Official Telegram 44/CD-TTg regarding the prevention and handling of food poisoning.

The Prime Minister's request regarding prevention and handling of food poisoning in Vietnam

Specifically, in recent times, the management of food safety and the prevention of food poisoning have been a matter of concern and guidance from various departments and local authorities, yielding significant results. However, the number of food poisoning cases and affected individuals remains high. In 2023 alone, the country recorded 125 cases, with over 2,100 people affected and 28 fatalities, showing an increasing trend compared to 2022. Recently, there have been several reported incidents of food poisoning nationwide, particularly the outbreak that occurred in Long Khanh City, Dong Nai Province, on April 30, 2024, where over 450 people were hospitalized for treatment. These incidents continue to cause anxiety and concern among the population.

The Prime Minister requests:

(1) The Ministry of Health to:

- Strengthen information dissemination and awareness campaigns about the risks of food poisoning and preventive measures, especially at tourist sites, collective dining facilities in schools, industrial zones, street food vendors, etc.

- Implement effective measures to prevent, intercept, and resolve food safety incidents, including food source traceability and the recall and disposal of unsafe food according to regulations.

- Enhance inspections to ensure compliance with food safety laws and take strict actions against violations as prescribed.

- Research and develop an effective food safety incident warning system in accordance with regulations.

- Provide timely emergency response and treatment for individuals affected by food poisoning, ensuring the best possible health and saving lives.

(2) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to fully cooperate with the Ministry of Health in investigating the causes, tracing the origin, and handling food products causing poisoning incidents within the areas under their respective management responsibilities as prescribed by the Law on Food Safety and assignments from the Government.

(3) The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to organize monitoring programs, preventive measures, and risk analysis regarding food safety for the areas under their respective management responsibilities as prescribed by regulations.

(4) The People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to take responsibility for food safety management in the local areas; to have suitable solution to enhance the effective capacity and management of food safety conditions for small-scale food production and business establishments, street food vendors, food service businesses, food safety at local markets, and other objects under their management hierarchy; regularly assess the risks of food safety incidents and implement necessary measures to prevent food poisoning; strengthen inspections, checks, and strict handling of organizations and individuals violating food safety laws within their management areas.

(5) The Ministry of Information and Communications, Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, and Vietnam News Agency to coordinate with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to intensify communication efforts on ensuring food safety in production, processing, business, and consumption of food.

(6) The Dong Nai People's Committee to direct relevant departments and agencies in the area to focus on treating patients affected by food poisoning incidents in Long Khanh City and ensure the best possible health for the local residents.

More details can be found in Official Telegram 44/CD-TTg issued on May 3, 2024.

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