Vietnam proposes tenfold rise in food safety fines

Photo courtesy of Tuoi Tre

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has proposed increasing maximum food-safety fines tenfold as part of a broad revision of the national Law on Food Safety. Individual offenders could face penalties of up to VND1 billion, about US$38,000, while organisations could be fined as much as VND2 billion, about US$76,000.

Current administrative limits are VND100 million for individuals and VND200 million for businesses. Under the draft, serious cases could also result in criminal prosecution, compensation orders and mandatory action to repair the damage caused.

Officials and businesses face stronger liability

The proposal states that officials who misuse their positions to overlook or enable violations may face disciplinary action, criminal charges and personal civil liability. The wider reform is intended to strengthen controls throughout the food chain, from production to sale.

A new risk-based inspection system would divide businesses and shipments into four categories: strict inspection, standard inspection, reduced inspection and full exemption.

Facilities with recognised international or regional certifications could qualify automatically for less frequent checks. Listed standards include GlobalG.A.P., ASEAN GAP, HACCP, ISO 22000 and organic certification.

Border checks would use risk and sampling data

Post-clearance inspections at border crossings would be strengthened through random sampling at prescribed rates. Shipments could be released before laboratory results arrive to avoid supply-chain delays, but a failed sample would trigger tracing, isolation of the product and sanctions.

Inspection records, laboratory results, compliance histories and risk assessments would be connected through a unified national food-safety database linking central and local authorities.

The draft also restricts food advertising that features medical facilities, healthcare workers or patient testimonials. Advertising would be prohibited for special medical foods and nutritional products intended for children up to 36 months old.

Prohibited production and trading practices would include using non-food materials, expired ingredients, unauthorised additives or chemicals of unknown origin; processing meat from animals that died from disease or unverified causes; and selling counterfeit, spoiled, incorrectly labelled or unregistered products. Vehicles previously used for toxic substances could not transport food unless rigorously decontaminated.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

For foreign residents and visitors, the proposal could lead to more visible inspections and stronger action against unsafe food, deceptive health claims and poorly controlled imports. It remains a draft, so the higher penalties and inspection system are not yet final law.

Foreign-run restaurants, food importers and other businesses should follow the final legislation closely, particularly the certification, advertising, labelling and traceability provisions. Consumers should continue to use reputable sellers and treat unsupported medical or safety claims cautiously while the reform progresses.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen said the completed draft would be submitted to the government by August 10.

1 August 2026