Discovering popular eateries that do not ensure food safety and hygiene
The time near the Lunar New Year is also the time when year-end meetings and summaries are held. However, in recent days, a series of famous food businesses and long-standing brands have been exposed for only one reason: "food safety violations".
This has raised many concerns about the issue of unsafe food that is present in everyday life, as Binh Ngo Tet 2026 is approaching.
Directly surveying at a popular draft beer shop located on Ton That Thuyet street (Hanoi), reporters could not help but be surprised by the scene of "bare-handed" sellers processing food; the place to collect and store uncovered solid waste; makeshift toilets...
In fact, many consumers have encountered many strange objects such as hair, fingernails, worms,... in dishes at small businesses and street food stalls. As usual, when directly enjoying, customers can encounter strange objects "hiding" in each dish.
Just gently flip open the plate of herbs served with fragrant fried beans - something that seems indispensable at any draft beer restaurant - but orange beetles appear.
Temporarily put aside the dish of accompanying herbs - something that if not used is probably lucky. Coming to the dish of stir-fried beef noodles priced from 80,000-100,000 VND, after picking up the first piece, the second piece, when put in a bowl, a tiny strange creature suddenly stirred.
If customers want to witness the food processing process with their own eyes, it is a pity that at this business, the wall has become a "solid shield", making the cooking process "out of sight".
Continuing to record at some popular draft beer shops, many people are surprised because this is a common situation. Located in alley 26 To Hieu, this popular draft beer shop does not "hide" the process of food processing.
The kitchen area is located near the drainage ditch, where dishwashing is mixed with black. Baskets of vegetables waiting to be processed are also placed in the wrong position.
Food safety violations and warning bells near Tet
Talking to reporters, lawyer Bui Dinh Ung (Hanoi Bar Association) said that, without discussing the signs of violation of hygiene of the Law on Food Safety No. 55/2010/QH12 of the National Assembly, employees of the above business establishments need to have periodic health check-ups.
Previously, when there was a 3-level local government model, the Health Centers in districts were the places to organize periodic health check-ups for people. Currently, with the 2-level local government model, this responsibility and task are transferred to the health departments in communes and wards. Failure to check-ups or intentional avoidance are also administratively sanctioned" - Mr. Ung emphasized.
Referring to Decree No. 115/2018/ND-CP stipulating penalties for administrative violations of food safety, it is also clearly stated:
In Clause 1, Article 9 on violations of regulations on general conditions to ensure food safety in the production, business, preservation of food, food additives, food processing aids, tools, packaging materials, containing direct contact with food:
A fine of 1-3 million VND shall be imposed for the act of using people in direct contact with food without wearing hats, masks; not cutting nails; wearing watches, bracelets, bracelets; eating, smoking, spitting in the food production area, food additives, food processing aids, tools, packaging materials, containing direct contact with food.
Clause 2, Article 9 sets out a penalty frame of 3-5 million VND for one of the following acts:
Wastewater drainage ditches are stagnant; not covered;
Non-capable solid waste collection tools;
No boots or shoes, sandals used separately in the food production area, food additives, food processing aids, tools, packaging materials, containing direct contact with food.
A fine of 15-20 million VND shall be imposed for the act of using people suffering from diseases that, according to the provisions of law, are not allowed to directly participate in the production and business of food, food additives, food processing aids, tools, packaging materials, containing direct contact with food;
According to lawyer Bui Dinh Ung, in order to effectively handle violations of food safety and hygiene at food establishments, first of all, it is necessary to promote the role of consumer feedback. When detecting abnormal signs or unsafety, customers need to promptly report to the hotlines of functional agencies, directly the People's Committees of communes and wards where the business establishment operates.
In addition, the responsibility of local authorities, especially commune and ward-level People's Committees, also needs to be put first. Localities must proactively strengthen inspection and supervision of food safety and hygiene, fire and explosion prevention, especially in sensitive times such as the upcoming Lunar New Year, instead of just relying on feedback from people.
When violations are detected, handling should be carried out strictly and in accordance with legal regulations. However, lawyer Bui Dinh Ung noted that penalties are not the only measure. In parallel with that, functional agencies need to regularly remind, guide, advise and support individuals and business households in the field of food and beverage to comply with regulations and raise awareness of ensuring food safety and hygiene.
The ultimate goal is not only to handle violations, suspend or revoke business licenses, but also to create conditions for business establishments to operate in accordance with the law, ensure consumer health, and at the same time help people have legitimate income and livelihoods" - Mr. Ung expressed.
