Hanoi: Nearly 700 food safety violations detected in five months

According to deputy head of the Hanoi Market Control Agency Tran Viet Hung, foods most connected with hygiene and safety violations were confectionery, dried and sugar-coated fruits, cooking oil and lard, medicinal materials and dietary supplements. 

Meanwhile, firms were usually fined for operating food service business without proper licences or selling expired foods. 

Many firms were also found not providing employees with the full set of hygiene equipment or sufficient training in food safety and hygiene. 

The agency has ordered its teams to conduct regular inspections at local markets, especially during the summer when high temperatures could trigger food poisoning. 

It also plans to coordinate with local authorities to remove spontaneous wet markets and illegal street vendors who occupy roads and sidewalks. 

Additionally, the agency will closely work with the media to increase awareness of the importance of food safety among food businesses and provide guidance for the consumers on how to select safe foods.