According to the Ministry of Health, street food is food provided by street vendors, mobile business establishments or points of sale in public places and festivals for immediate or subsequent use without further processing. This is a popular, convenient, and cheap type, meeting the eating needs of a large number of people, especially in tourist areas, food streets, and night markets.
In recent years, in many localities, street food business activities have had positive changes.
However, the Ministry of Health also pointed out that the risk of food insecurity is still common, especially at small establishments, street vendors operating on sidewalks, public areas or festivals. Many points of sale lack minimum equipment, do not ensure clean water sources, unsanitary appliance washing areas, and waste collection is not in accordance with regulations. Many processers have not been trained in food safety knowledge, do not fully use labor protection, and personal hygiene does not meet requirements.
Worryingly, the situation of using cheap raw materials of unknown origin still occurs. Some processed foods such as pate, crab paste, cold cuts or leftovers are not properly preserved, left for too long, posing a risk of poisoning. In the context of limited management and supervision in some localities, collective food poisoning cases related to street food have occurred, affecting people's health and causing anxiety in society.
To tighten management, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that violations will be penalized according to regulations. Specifically, a fine of 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND will be imposed for acts such as not having tables, cabinets, shelves, shelves, and equipment that meet requirements; food not being covered, allowing dirt to enter; having insects and harmful animals; not using gloves when directly contacting cooked food.
Fines ranging from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND are applied to acts of using unsafe tools and packaging; processers suffering from infectious diseases; using substandard water; using food additives not in accordance with regulations. Serious violations may be forced to destroy food.
The Ministry of Health requests localities to strengthen inspection and supervision, and at the same time request business establishments to strictly comply with food safety regulations, contributing to building a safe and civilized street food environment.
