The government issued a decree to deal with food safety and hygiene violations, with a new highest fine of up to VND100 million (USD4,793).
A restaurant in Hanoi. Photo by Vnexpress
The fines are from three to five times higher than the current rates.
The regulations stipulate a fine of between VND3 and VND5 million (USD143.80-240) for those who use unquarantined meat.
Fines for those who use meat without clear point of origin will reach from VND10 million-15 million (USD479-719).
The same fines will be applied to those who use listed additives exceeding acceptable levels.
Using meat from animals that have died of disease or meat of no clear point of origin and set to be destroyed will be fined from VND15 million-20 million (USD719-959).
The same fines are set for using unlisted and additives without clear point of origin in food processing and production.
Using toxic additives for food processing and production will be fined from VND20 million-40 million (USD959-1,917).
A fine of between VND30 million-50 million (USD1,438-2,396) will be applied to usage of chemicals that are banned from use in food processing and production.
The highest fine for such cases could reach VND100 million (USD4,793) based on the value of the confiscated food. Violating individuals and organisations will also have their food safety certificates revoked for between six to twelve months depending on the levels of their violations.
Any advert on food without having a certification on the advertised content will be fined from VND10 million-20 million (USD479-959).
Advertisements with false information will be fined between VND20 million and VND30 million (USD959-USD1,438).
Such violators could also have their certificates for advertising content revoked for from three to six months depending on their violations.
Nguyen Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health’s Food Safety and Hygiene Department said the regulation would take effect from December 23 and would be an effective tool in fostering food safety and hygiene management in the time to come.