Many violating establishments were severely punished
On May 25, information from Nghe An Provincial People's Committee said that, implementing the Central's directives, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 980/QD-UBND on the establishment of an interdisciplinary team to inspect compliance with legal regulations on ensuring food safety during the Food Safety Action Month in 2025.
From April 14 to May 15, 2025, the provincial interdisciplinary inspection team conducted an inspection of food safety work in 3 localities including Thai Hoa town, Hung Nguyen district and Quy Hop district. Through inspection of 25 establishments producing, processing, and trading food and food services, the authorities discovered 4 establishments in violation and transferred the fine documents with a total amount of 52 million VND.
The establishments that were fined include: Kyodo Foods business household (Nam Dan) was fined 12 million VND; Branch of World Milk Investment Joint Stock Company in Vinh City was fined 12 million VND; Tu Phuong Food Joint Stock Company - Business location No. 12 (Hong Son Ward, Vinh City) was fined 16 million VND; and Nam Thang Industrial Food Service Joint Stock Company (Hung Nguyen) was fined 12 million VND.
Previously, the case of producing 3,500 tons of illegally soaked bean sprouts in Vinh City once shocked public opinion, showing the seriousness of the unsafe food situation in the market.
In the field of market management, Market Management Teams (QLTT) have continuously detected and handled many violations. In the three days from May 20 to 22, 2025 alone, Market Management Team No. 9 handled 5 violations with a total fine of 18.7 million VND. Typically, on May 22, a means of transport in Minh Hop commune (Quy Hop) was inspected and discovered carrying 40 large sets of children's toys without invoices and documents, of unknown origin. Driver Nguyen Thuong D. was fined 2 million VND and forced to destroy the entire shipment.
On May 21, Market Management Team No. 6 coordinated with the traffic police force to inspect a truck with a UN 3899 license plate and discovered 1,240 cosmetic products smuggled from Thailand, without sub-labeles, product information, expiration date or circulation license. The entire shipment was destroyed and the subject was administratively fined 10 million VND.
In addition, on May 13, Market Management Team No. 11 and Nghe An Police arrested a truck carrying 3 tons of smuggled sand. On the same day, Market Management Team No. 3 discovered nearly 500kg of chicken feet and pig tails of unknown origin at a business location.
Launching the peak period in the whole province
Not stopping at surprise inspections, Nghe An Market Management Department issued Plan No. 236 dated May 19, 2025 to implement a peak period of inspection and handling of counterfeit goods, counterfeit goods, trade fraud and intellectual property infringement in the whole province.
According to the plan, Market Management Teams will stick close to the area, strengthen market supervision, focus on essential items such as food, milk, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, petroleum, etc. Items at risk of being counterfeit, smuggled, or taking advantage of e-commerce for consumption will be placed under special supervision.
Along with that, functional forces are required to closely coordinate in interdisciplinary and surprise inspections at goods gathering areas, warehouses, unit markets, supermarkets, shopping malls and e-commerce platforms. Internal inspection and supervision of public duties are also emphasized to prevent cover-up and support for violations.
Nghe An Market Management Department also requested functional departments to strengthen analysis, detection and recommendations to amend shortcomings in the current legal system - " loopholes" that are often exploited by smugglers and counterfeit manufacturers for profit.
In addition to handling violations, propaganda and legal education for people and businesses have also been promoted.
Mr. Nguyen Van Huong - Head of the Market Management Department of Nghe An province said: "The drastic implementation of the peak period of monitoring, inspecting and handling violations is not only an act to protect the rights of consumers and businesses but also a strong warning to those who deliberately violate the law for illegal profits".
