Speaking at a closing event on May 13, Nguyen Thi Khanh, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, said food hygiene and safety was the festival’s biggest success.
Organisers worked closely with the city’s Food Safety Department, requiring food vendors to complete food safety training and health checks before participating in the event.
Throughout the festival, stalls were monitored continuously, while food handlers were required to wear gloves and masks during preparation. Organisers said any violations would lead to immediate suspension from the event.
Thanks to the strict oversight, no major food safety incidents were recorded despite the festival taking place during the hot season and amid recent bread-related food poisoning cases reported in the city.
The festival, held from April 23 to April 26, attracted 20 per cent more visitors than last year, with many attendees willing to queue for long periods to visit food stalls and activities.
Organisers said the 2027 edition would be expanded further with a completely revamped format. Vietnam’s embassy in Singapore has also expressed interest in hosting the bread festival overseas, with organisers studying the possibility.
Before the event, the city’s Food Safety Department reviewed business licences, food safety certificates, health records and documentation proving the origin of ingredients and products sold at the festival.
During the festival, inspectors monitored hygiene standards, food handling practices, protective equipment used by staff and documents proving the origin of food ingredients, while food samples were collected for testing when necessary.
Authorities said health feedback from participants would continue to be monitored after the festival concluded.
