Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Approximately 690 breaches of food safety and quality regulations were discovered between late December, 2015 and mid-April this year with the total fine collected worth more than 5.3 billion VND (238,000 USD).
According to deputy head of the Hanoi Market Control Agency Tran Viet Hung, foods most connected with hygiene and safety violations were confectionery, dried and sugar-coated fruits, cooking oil and lard, medicinal materials and dietary supplements.
Meanwhile, firms were usually fined for operating food service business without proper licences or selling expired foods.
Many firms were also found not providing employees with the full set of hygiene equipment or sufficient training in food safety and hygiene.
The agency has ordered its teams to conduct regular inspections at local markets, especially during the summer when high temperatures could trigger food poisoning.
It also plans to coordinate with local authorities to remove spontaneous wet markets and illegal street vendors who occupy roads and sidewalks.
Additionally, the agency will closely work with the media to increase awareness of the importance of food safety among food businesses and provide guidance for the consumers on how to select safe foods.-VNA
