In its efforts to effectively implement the ‘Action Month for Food Safety’ and ensure food safety for the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2024, Hai Chau District has taken drastic action to reduce food safety violations during the festival.

Functional forces conducting food safety inspections at food businesses and establishments in Hai Chau District. Photo: TRAN TRUC

Between April 15 and May 15, relevant agencies and departments, along with functional units in the district focussed on raising awareness about food safety among food businesses. Heed was also paid to establishing inspection teams to conduct food safety inspections at food establishments. Special attention was paid to granting food hygiene certificate for food establishments that meet food safety standards. Importance was attached to conducting inspections of food establishments about reusing cooking oil. Strict punishment was imposed on cases of food safety violations according to Viet Nam’s food safety regulations.

The Hai Chau District Health Agency has developed a plan to ensure food safety and hygiene for local residents and tourists in a bid to to reduce risk of food poisoning cases before and during the DIFF 2024.

From now until July 13, local authorities will conduct inspections of food businesses and establishments, food services, and street food. In particular, focus will be on conducting food safety inspections at food establishments located near places where locals and tourists gather to watch fireworks during the festival.

Local functional bodies will also keep a close watch on food businesses and catering services regarding food hygiene certificate, health certificate, proof of origin for raw materials and food. Heed will be also paid to checking facility conditions, food processing and preservation, transportation, and sale of food. On the other hand, fine will be imposed on food safety violations.

Ward-level authorities will also develop plans and establish inspection teams to conduct inspections of street food businesses according to decentralized management, especially in the wards of Thuan Phuoc, Thach Thang, Binh Hien, Hai Chau 1, Phuoc Ninh, Binh Thuan where there are parking spots for DIFF 2024.

Hai Chau District authority has identified ensuring food safety for locals and tourists during the festival as an important task for traders operating in areas where the international event will take place. Therefore, the district authority has worked with the Municipal Department of Tourism and the Food Safety Management Board to open training courses on commercial civilization, behavioral culture, business skills and food safety assurance for individuals and organizations that get involving in trading activities on the Bach Dang Walking Street. In addition, the trainees have been introduced to waste classification and management practices right at their kiosks to ensure environmental hygiene.

Reporting by TRAN TRUC – translating by H.L