Hanoi authorities continue to prove unable to deal with the amount of low-quality food flooding Hanoi from other provinces.
Food mostly sold at unofficial markets
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi has about 10 million residents and needs 1,000 tonnes of meat, 600 tonnes of fish and 3,200 tonnes of vegetables a day, so 30% of this is supplied from other provinces. This food is mostly sold at unofficial markets, making it difficult for management to monitor and check on food hygiene.
Tran Manh Giang, head of Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality Management Department, said they discovered salbutamol residues on 9.1% of pork samples from Bac Ninh and Hai Duong provinces and salmonella on 16.53% of meat. Pesticide residues were also found on 17.9% of vegetable samples.
"Farmers are abusing antibiotics and other chemicals as we discovered some sulfadimidine on pork and enrofloxacin on chicken meat," Giang said.
Pham The Cuong, head of Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality Management Department in Son La Province said 80% of their locally produced vegetables were sold in Hanoi. He added that some people may take advantage of such times to mix in low-quality food.
Consumer selecting vegetables
Vegetables with food hygiene certificates are sold at higher prices so traders can may attempt to pass on poor quality produce to make profits.
Nguyen Dac Loc, deputy head of Hanoi Market Management Department, said provinces should build supply and distribution chains with geographical indication for any future problems. Moreover, they should have efficient plans for creating brands and trademarks.
Hanoi authorities directed Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to raise farmer awareness about chemicals and improved inspection on food processing facilities.
