On March 23, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen chaired a meeting with representatives of many ministries and sectors to review and complete the draft Resolution extending the temporary suspension of validity of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution No. 66/13/2026/NQ-CP related to food safety.
According to Notice No. 141/TB-VPCP dated March 20, 2026 of the Government Office, the Standing Committee of the Government has agreed on the policy of extending the temporary suspension of validity of the two documents mentioned above until the Law on Food Safety (amended) and guiding documents officially take effect.
The Ministry of Health is assigned to preside over and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to urgently receive opinions and complete dossiers to submit to the Government for promulgation of resolutions before March 28, 2026.
The draft Resolution includes 4 articles, clearly stipulating the contents of temporarily suspending the validity of the document; principles of applying the law during the suspension period; responsibilities for organizing implementation and effectiveness. During this time, Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP continues to be applied to ensure that management activities are not interrupted.
According to Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen, the implementation of food safety policies needs to be implemented cautiously, avoiding sudden disruptions to production and business activities, especially the field of food import.
The Deputy Minister requested the Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) to continue reviewing and completing the dossier, and at the same time widely solicit opinions from ministries, branches, localities, diplomatic missions and business associations.
In addition, the draft needs to clearly define the responsibilities of each agency in state management of food safety; and proactively issue professional guidelines to support localities and businesses in the implementation process.
The Deputy Minister also noted that it is necessary to strengthen post-inspection, inspection, and supervision to prevent "hollows" in management during the transition period. In parallel, promote policy communication to the grassroots level and the business community to raise awareness, ensure strict implementation, both control risks and facilitate trade activities according to international practices.
