Violations in food safety procedures relating to the use of toxic substances in cattle and poultry farming and production are widespread, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development warned at a meeting on September 6.

According to reports from the Ministry's National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, 178 out of 886 establishments recently inspected in Da Nang city, and Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces fell short of veterinary hygiene standards. Problems were found at farms, slaughter houses and markets.

According to the Vietnam Food Administration, 126 cases of food poisoning were recorded nationwide, affecting more than 3,187 people and killing 19 so far this year.

Head of the Food Poisoning Supervision Division Lam Quoc Hung said the situation has also been worsened by a lack of control of input materials and the usage of toxic substances in agricultural production.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Planning Cao Duc Phat has expressed huge concerns over the management of plant fertiliser, with substandard and unknown brands being widely used.

The Minister also asked all relevant agencies to finalise the development of a safe agriculture-food supply chain that can be applied nationwide.-VNA