It is now a target that by 2020, the control of food safety in all food production and supply chains will be established and enhanced to protect consumer rights and health in response to requirements of the national development and international economic integration.
This target is set forth in Prime Minister Decision No. 20/QD-TTg of January 4, approving the national food safety strategy for the 2011-2020 period with a vision toward 2030.
As provided in the Decision, by 2020, 95 per cent of food manufacturers, processors and traders, 100 per cent of managerial officials including heads of related ministries and sectors, chairpersons of People’s Committees at different levels, and 80 per cent of consumers should have basic food safety knowledge and good practices in food safety.
Another target is that by 2015, all provinces and centrally run cities will have better food safety management systems.
A province with a population of over one million will have a food test laboratory up to ISO 17025 standards by 2020.
The Decision also underlines the improvement of the food safety condition of industrial-scale manufacturers and traders, with all of them required to have food safety condition satisfaction certificates, at least 30 per cent by 2015 and 80 per cent by 2020 of food manufacturers obtaining GMP, HACCP, ISO 9001 or ISO 22000 certificates; 40 per cent of restaurants and 80 per cent of collective kitchens will meet food safety standards, 100 per cent of department stores and 50 per cent of markets will be regularly inspected.
The ultimate goal of the strategy is to reduce the number of food poisoning cases which involve more than 30 victims each by at least a quarter compared with the 2006-2010 period.
By 2030, all food manufacturers, traders and consumers will have to furnish themselves with adequate knowledge about food safety and all food processors, restaurants and markets will have to fully meet food safety standards.
The Vietnam Television, Radio Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency and other media agencies at different levels are assigned to provide useful information on food safety through regular broadcasts or specials on food regulations.
This Decision takes effect on the date of its signing.-