The Vietnamese government has drafted a new food‑safety law that could affect every meal you purchase, whether from a market stall or a mobile app. Understanding the main changes helps you know what to expect in the near future.

The draft makes the Ministry of Health the single coordinating authority for food safety, replacing the current system where three ministries share oversight. Other ministries such as Agriculture and Environment, Industry and Trade, Finance, Public Security, Science and Technology, and Culture, Sports and Tourism will keep their specialised duties, but the Ministry of Health will lead nationwide coordination.

Food items will be grouped by risk level. Most products will continue with a self‑declaration process, while high‑risk categories – for example foods aimed at children, pregnant women, older adults or patients – will require mandatory product‑declaration registration. This means producers of those items must submit official certificates before the products can be sold.

Online sellers will have to display detailed product information and attach the required declaration certificates or standards dossiers. E‑commerce platforms must check these documents before allowing a food item to be listed. At the same time, local People’s Committees will supervise food safety in their areas, including street‑food businesses, ensuring that stalls also meet the new rules.

The committee that reviewed the draft said it will study additional sanctions, which could include temporary suspension or revocation of operating licences and public disclosure of violators. If adopted, these measures aim to deter breaches and give consumers clearer information about food safety.