Vietnam Overhauls Food Safety Law Amid Corruption Crackdown and EU Standards

Vietnam is embarking on a significant overhaul of its food safety law, prompted by stricter import regulations from the European Union and a major corruption scandal involving its food safety authority. The proposed reforms aim to establish a single focal point for food safety management, clear institutional bottlenecks, pool resources, and unlock creative potential. Under the EU's latest import control regime, four Vietnamese plant products – durian, dragon fruit, okra, and chili peppers – remain subject to increased border inspections. This highlights the growing necessity for Vietnamese agricultural exports to meet the stringent standards of the EU, a crucial market. The corruption issue, exemplified by the case where former Director of the Vietnam Food Safety Authority (FSA) Nguyen Thanh Phong allegedly pocketed 43.9 billion VND (approximately $1.7 million USD), has shaken the credibility of the authority. The legal amendments are intended to eradicate such malpractices and enhance transparency in the management system. The draft law centers on two major policy areas: further simplifying procedures and reducing business conditions, and transferring the management of rights to plant varieties from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Science and Technology. These changes are expected to improve the business environment and foster innovation. Vietnam is currently deepening comprehensive strategic partnerships with numerous countries, including the Republic of Korea (RoK), the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Finland, and Belarus. Health cooperation, particularly in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics safety with the RoK, has been continuously promoted and yielded positive results. For Japan, strengthening Vietnam's image as a reliable partner is seen as enhancing trust among the Japanese government, businesses, and people. This food safety law reform is a crucial step for Vietnam to enhance its competitiveness in the international market and protect the health and safety of its citizens. It also aims to turn cultural industries into a breakthrough growth driver and shield the domestic market. Information Source: VietnamPlus English