Food Safety Action Month 2026 launched in Dong Thap
(DTO) The provincial Inter - sectoral Steering Committee on Food Safety on April 15 convened a conference to launch the 2026 “Action Month for Food Safety and prevention of food poisoning in catering services and street food.”
The event was chaired by Dr. Nguyen Van Duong, Director of the provincial Department of Health and Standing Deputy Head of the committee, with the participation of representatives from regional health centres and inter-sectoral steering committees on food safety at commune and ward levels.
The Action Month, themed “Ensuring food safety and preventing food poisoning in catering services and street food,” will run from April 15 to May 15, 2026 across the province.
Key activities include dissemination and implementation of the Action Month, stepping up communication campaigns on food safety, and conducting inspections and examinations of food production and trading establishments, as well as food service providers.
The campaign serves as an important peak period to mobilise the entire political system and society to enhance awareness and responsibility among producers, businesses and consumers in ensuring food safety.
At the conference, representatives of the provincial Sub-Department of Food Safety provided guidance to localities on inspection and post-inspection work, as well as appraisal of food production and business establishments and catering services.
Representatives from regional health centres and commune- and ward-level People’s Committees also discussed coordination mechanisms between local authorities and relevant units in ensuring food safety, as well as investigating and handling food poisoning incidents in their localities.
To ensure effective implementation of the 2026 Action Month, Dr. Nguyen Van Duong urged authorities, sectors and units at all levels to further enhance the roles and responsibilities of Party committees and administrations in leading and directing food safety work, considering it a regular and long-term task associated with local socio-economic development.
He also called for intensified communication and legal education on food safety in a practical and effective manner; strengthened inter-sectoral inspections and supervision focusing on high-risk sectors and products; and strict handling of violations of food safety regulations. In addition, he stressed the need to consolidate the organisational apparatus and improve the capacity of personnel engaged in food safety management from provincial to grassroots levels to ensure sufficient resources for task implementation.
The official also highlighted the importance of promoting safe food production and business models, and developing traceable, transparent food supply chains.
Local authorities were urged to proactively monitor, promptly detect and effectively handle food poisoning cases, minimising the number of incidents and preventing serious outbreaks.
By MY XUYEN
Translated by X.QUANG
