Science, Technology and Environment Committee Conducts Field Inspection at Binh Dien Market in Ho Chi Minh City
Inspecting food inspection processes firsthand at the Binh Dien wholesale market, the delegation evaluated current bottlenecks and control mechanisms to contribute to the drafting of the Food Safety Law.
A research team led by Nguyen Phuong Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Science, Technology and Environment Committee, conducted a field survey at the Binh Dien wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City to support the review of the draft Food Safety Law.
Food Inspection and Current Status at the Market
Phan Thanh Tan, Director of the Binh Dien Market Management and Business Company, stated that the market is the largest wholesale agricultural and food market in Ho Chi Minh City. It was reported that trade in vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood takes place here, and that food safety management and control have gradually improved over time.
It was noted that difficulties exist in controlling food brought in from different provinces and cities, and while animal products are inspected by local veterinary authorities, the vast majority of products are not inspected at their source before reaching the market.
Testing Durations and Traceability Demands
It was reported that food safety tests conducted in state-designated laboratories take 4-5 days, making intervention difficult when violations are detected.
The working group requested that the market management clarify the control methods for products coming from different suppliers, and record information regarding origin, supplier, time, and quantity in a way that facilitates traceability. Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Phuong Tuan emphasized that the obtained data will contribute to the improvement of the draft law.