Central inter-ministerial steering committee launches 'Month of Action for Food Safety' from April 15 to May 15 nationwide

From April 15 to May 15, 2026, the inter-ministerial Central Steering Committee for Food Safety will implement activities to strengthen controls aimed at preventing food poisoning, with a particular focus on food service and street foods. The plan is issued in the context of remaining shortcomings in food safety.

According to the Ministry of Health, the situation of food poisoning is developing in a complex manner, especially in canteens of companies, enterprises, schools, and in cases caused by street foods. In addition, e-commerce and the advertising of foods on digital platforms, social networks, and international websites are increasingly common and are difficult to regulate.

“Month of Action for Food Safety” in 2026

To strengthen food safety and prevent poisoning, the Steering Committee will conduct the “Month of Action for Food Safety” in 2026, running from April 15 to May 15. This year’s theme is: “Ensuring food safety, preventing food poisoning in the food service and street food sectors.”

During the month-long action, inspections, checks, and monitoring activities will be intensified, focusing on food service establishments, collective kitchens, and street foods. Authorities will combat, prevent, and strictly handle organizations and individuals that violate food safety regulations. The plan also emphasizes the role of organizations, individuals, and enterprises in enforcing the law, including timely communication about safe, high-quality food supply chains, as well as violators and potential food safety risks.

Inspection teams and geographic coverage

One key objective is to enhance the capacity to prevent, detect, and handle food poisoning, especially at facilities with collective kitchens and food service. The Steering Committee will establish five inspection teams operating in 10 localities: Đồng Tháp, Vĩnh Long, Huế, Đà Nẵng, Thái Nguyên, Nghệ An, Quảng Ngãi, Gia Lai, Thái Nguyên, and Phú Thọ.

Inspection focus: directives, responsibilities, and compliance checks

The inspection teams will focus on implementing directives from the central government and on the responsibilities of local authorities in ensuring food safety. They will also conduct direct checks of production, business, and advertising facilities.

Inspections will cover, among other areas:

• Certification of meeting food safety conditions; safety production commitment certificates (for small initial producers).
• Health certificates and certification of food safety knowledge for owners and workers directly producing or trading food.
• Compliance with regulations on product announcements/approval of conformity/standard application/self-disclosure of products, product disclosure procedures, test result certificates, and related legal documents.
• Labeling requirements.
• Advertising rules for foods that require content registration before advertising.

Alcohol and food production/trading conditions

The inspection teams will also check conditions for ensuring food safety at facilities producing and trading alcohol and foods. This includes equipment conditions, origin tracing, and sampling and testing of food safety indicators as required.

Food service and street food businesses

For food service and street food businesses, inspections will focus on compliance with general food safety regulations and requirements to ensure food safety, including:

• Use of food additives, processing aids, and ingredients.
• Food safety controls in industrial park canteens, schools, meal suppliers, tourist sites, festivals, large events, and street foods.