Proposal: Commune Chairpersons to be Authorized to Fine Individuals 50 Million VND for Food Safety Violations

The Vietnamese government is taking a firm stance on food safety, with the Ministry of Justice currently reviewing a draft decree that proposes substantial increases in penalties for violations. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, aims to replace the existing Decree 115/2018 and its amendments, reflecting a growing commitment to public health.

A key aspect of the proposed changes is the expanded authority given to local officials. Chairpersons of commune-level People's Committees could soon be empowered to issue fines of up to 50 million VND (approximately $2,000 USD) for individuals and 100 million VND for organizations. This decentralization of enforcement power is intended to ensure more immediate and localized responses to food safety breaches.

Beyond financial penalties, the draft decree also includes provisions for more stringent measures, such as the temporary revocation of food safety certificates and the suspension of operations. These actions underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are treating non-compliance, aiming to deter future violations and protect consumers.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice is also reviewing a separate draft decree from the Ministry of Public Security concerning the management of IP address identification. This proposal mandates that telecommunications and internet service providers establish mechanisms to provide IP address identification information to cybersecurity forces, a move aimed at enhancing national security and combating cybercrime. The swift provision of information, within 24 hours or even faster in urgent cases, highlights the government's focus on digital security alongside public health.