Piloted at Da Nang’s Han Market in 2013, the civilised and food safety market model has been expanded into other markets across the city. As a result, it has proved extremely effective as demand for safe food is rising.

Clean indoor drinking and eating stands at the Con Market

This type of markets must meet the criteria of ensuring security, meeting the national firefighting, fire and natural disaster prevention standards, as well as complying with the national regulations on food safety and hygiene and on environmental hygiene.

Da Nang is now home to 70 traditional markets with a combined total of over 7,600 traders.

In the current context of tougher competitiveness from modern retail systems, including supermarkets, trade centres and convenience stores, traditional markets must comply with food safety and hygiene regulations in a bid to attract more shoppers.

Mr Nguyen Ha Bac, the Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade, said many markets have been upgraded and refurbished in active response to the implementation of the model.

A total of 15 markets will be about to join the civilised and food safety market model, namely Cam Le, new Hoa Thuan, Phu Loc, an Hai Dong, Tuy Loan, Dong Da, Con, Quan Ho, Thanh Khe 1, Khue My, Bac My An, Hoa Cuong, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Phuoc My and Nai Hien Dong.

A total of 720 food traders at the Con Market, at 318 Ong Ich Khiem in Hai Chau District, have already

been granted legitimate business licences, food safety and hygiene certificates by local authorities. They ensure that their products have a clear origin.

The Con Market Management Board is tasked with regularly managing the quality of food sold at the venue, and help traders adapt to the food safety market model.

Thanks to effective food safety control measures, the market is the best choice for those who want to enjoy tasty and popular dishes at reasonable prices in a busy trading atmosphere. 

There are an indoor and a 15m-long outdoor drinking and eating areas, with the latter offering a total of more than 20 different types of food. In particular, the outdoor area opens daily from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, attracting a large number of local gourmets and visitors.

Shopper Tran To Van from Thach Thang Ward said she feels secured whilst enjoying delicious, low-cost dishes at this market as its environmental sanitation is ensured.

The food safety market model has been applied since 2015 in Son Tra District which is a tourism magnet for visitors from both home and aborad.

The district’s Markets’ Management Board has focussed on raising awareness of environmental sanitation and food safety amongst merchants touring for business in markets through the launching of environmental protection campaigns.

However, many small-scale traders are worried that they would be unable to meet all the requirements due to their limited financial capacity.

Some traders stated they have been fetching products from various sources, thus keeping track of their origin would be really difficult.

In recent years, it’s become increasingly common to hear about cases of unscrupulous food sellers in their pursuit of profits, using banned chemical in meat or excessive concentrations of pesticide in vegetables to increase or maintain the food’s appeal to consumers. 

To address these issues, it is a high time for relevant agencies to take more effective measures to maximise the efficiency of the food safety market model, thereby maintaining the image of traditional markets, and helping them win the trust of consumers. 

The success of this practical model plays an important role in helping the city effectively implement the ongoing landmark ‘City of 4 Safe Programmes’ campaign.