HCMC – The Government has extended the suspension of Decree 46 and Resolution 66 on food safety regulations until an amended Law on Food Safety takes effect.
The move comes after the newly introduced requirements, initially effective from January 26 this year, triggered a nationwide paralysis in food and raw material imports due to a lack of guiding documents.
The suspension allows businesses to return to the previous regulatory framework to clear the congestion of fresh produce, grains, and processed foods currently stuck at ports (Decree 15/2018/ND-CP detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Food Safety).
The Government agreed that a special inter-ministerial task force, led by the minister of health, will be established to overhaul the regulatory system. This task force is responsible for presenting a revised implementation plan before March 28 and expediting the draft of the amended Law on Food Safety for the 16th National Assembly’s upcoming session.
The priority is to enhance post inspection and surveillance capabilities while ensuring that administrative procedures do not hinder the flow of essential goods and the development of the food industry.
