The Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, Do Thanh Trung, in his capacity as the Head of the Interdisciplinary Steering Committee on Food Safety, has signed Decision No. 55/QD-BCD regarding the Operational Regulations for the Hai Phong Interdisciplinary Steering Committee on Food Safety. This is a crucial legal document, marking a significant milestone in perfecting the city's food safety governance system, providing practical benefits for domestic citizens and businesses while positively influencing Hai Phong’s image within the international community.
Hai Phong Department of Health organizes a conference on food safety and hygiene (Source: https://vfa.gov.vn)
Core Contents of the Regulations
The Regulations were issued based on key legal documents, including the 2010 Law on Food Safety, Government Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, Decision No. 214/2025/QD-UBND dated November 18, 2025, regarding state management responsibility for food safety, and Decision No. 340/QD-UBND dated January 27, 2026, on the establishment of the Steering Committee. The Regulations take effect immediately from the date of signing.
Comprising 5 chapters and 14 articles, the Regulations establish a professional interdisciplinary coordination apparatus with clear task assignments. The Steering Committee operates under the direct leadership of the Chairman of the City People’s Committee, with the Department of Health serving as the standing agency. Members include leaders from key departments such as the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Industry and Trade, the Department of Finance, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the City Police, the Economic Zone Authority, and the City Military Command, along with socio-political organizations and local press agencies. Notably, the Regulations specify the duties of each member sector to avoid overlapping or missing responsibilities, marking a prominent advancement compared to previous regulations.
Regarding functions and duties, the Steering Committee is tasked with:
- Advising, developing, and implementing interdisciplinary programs and plans for food safety.
- Organizing inspections and monitoring.
- Detecting and handling violations in a timely manner.
- Coordinating incident responses.
- Managing database systems and implementing digital transformation in the food safety sector.
In terms of working principles, the Steering Committee meets periodically twice a year and can convene extraordinary meetings when incidents arise. Conclusions from the Head and Deputy Heads of the Steering Committee are mandatory for relevant agencies and units. Periodic reporting on a quarterly and annual basis ensures transparency and accountability.
For incident handling, the Regulations specify, for the first time, a clear emergency and synchronized procedure: zoning, food source control, cause identification, violation handling, and public disclosure of information according to regulations.
Multi-dimensional Significance for Hai Phong
From a social welfare perspective, the Regulations create a solid institutional foundation to protect the health of 4.6 million Hai Phong residents. Close interdisciplinary coordination helps form a closed-loop food safety control chain, minimizing the risks of poisoning and foodborne illnesses.
From an economic and investment perspective, for a city with a developed seaport and industrial economy like Hai Phong, a transparent and effective food safety management system is a prerequisite for maintaining a healthy workforce. This also sends a positive signal to foreign investors that Hai Phong prioritizes not only economic growth but also serious investment in quality-of-life governance.
From an integration and foreign affairs perspective, as Hai Phong welcomes more foreign experts and promotes international tourism, a standardized food safety system will enhance the city's image and reputation. This is a crucial factor for Hai Phong to confidently integrate deeper into regional and international food supply chains.
The Hai Phong Interdisciplinary Steering Committee on Food Safety calls upon all organizations, businesses, and residents to join hands in implementing food safety regulations and reporting violations to the authorities. Together, let’s build Hai Phong into a safe, civilized, and integrated city—where every meal brings peace of mind.