The Ministry of Health said that from October 20, the edict 115/2018 of administrative fines on food safety will officially take effect.
According to the new edict, violators will pay higher fines especially in selling unsafe street food. Specifically, street food sellers will pay VND500,000 -VND1 million ($21.4 -442.8) (the old level ranging from VND300,000 to VND500,000) if they do not practice hygienic method of covering food and water; food not covered is exposed to flies, birds, rodents and such which may cause food borne pathogens. Those who have no portable booth, food cart or truck will also face same fines.
Moreover, street food vendors will face a fine of VND1-3 million for lacking proper food handling and waste disposal training, or using unsafe water and equipment for cooking.
Additionally, the regulations say that sick street food peddlers will receive the fines if they directly make food for people.
Plus, street food hawkers will receive same fines if they use banned additives for cooking.
According to the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) under the Ministry of Health, street food vending is found all around the world; people may purchase street food for a number of reasons, such as convenience, to get flavorful food for a reasonable price in a sociable setting. However, food sold in street is implicit hazard for consumers’ health.
