At the dialogue conference between businesses and the Ho Chi Minh City government on food safety on May 8, Mr. Le Anh Hoang - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center (ITPC) said that the topic on food safety is an important content for public health, growth quality and the reputation of the city's investment and business environment.
In the current context, improving the business environment, especially in the field of food safety, needs to be implemented in a simpler, more convenient direction and reduce compliance costs for businesses.
Over the past time, the legal system on food safety has continued to be improved; inspection and examination work has been strengthened; social awareness has increasingly improved. However, in practice, there are still obstacles and bottlenecks that need to be removed. Notably, the implementation of new regulations in Decree 46/2026/ND-CP has arisen some obstacles in the production and business process of enterprises.
Through this conference, we hope that the business community will propose to study comprehensive amendments to the Food Safety Law in the direction of: synchronization, clear responsibility, transparency, ease of application and harmony between state management and business development" - Mr. Hoang emphasized.
Representatives of Tu Anh Import-Export Service Trading Co., Ltd. raised problems related to regulations on food safety inspection for products that are additives when imported.
Food additive products contain mixtures of many ingredients such as additives, processing aids... However, only additive ingredients are on the food safety inspection list, while other substances are not on the list.
When carrying out procedures for food safety inspection, many units refuse to receive them on the grounds that the products are not 100% food additives. From there, businesses encounter difficulties in the process of carrying out procedures with customs.
Representatives of the Professional Practice Management Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety said that the unit does not have the authority to intervene or directly guide the management of import and export goods. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety recommends that businesses send documents directly to the inspection agency or the Food Safety Department for specific guidance.
Regarding this issue, representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center said that they will receive business recommendations, coordinate and coordinate with relevant departments and branches to respond. For contents beyond their authority, the unit will advise the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to have a written response.
At the conference, businesses also raised opinions and recommendations on other issues such as vegetable oil products, import of products, product ingredients...
