Warning about smuggled candies of unknown origin during Mid-Autumn Festival

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the demand for cakes and candies, especially moon cakes, increases dramatically.

According to the Department of Food Safety (Ministry of Health), at a time when the demand for cakes and candies, especially moon cakes, has increased dramatically, some organizations and individuals have secretly introduced to the market some types of smuggled cakes and candies of unknown origin.

To ensure food safety, prevent food poisoning, protect the rights and health of consumers, the Food Safety Department requests the Directors of the Departments of Health of provinces/cities under the Central Government, Heads of the Food Safety Management Boards of provinces/cities to direct functional units to deploy measures to coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to carry out inspection activities, check the compliance with the provisions of the law on food safety of food production, processing and trading establishments in the area.

Accordingly, inspection teams need to prioritize establishments producing and trading moon cakes, confectionery, soft drinks, and traditional foods produced in craft villages and small establishments; establishments providing food services, street food, etc.

Competent units shall promptly trace and recall unsafe food products, strictly handle violations, and publicly announce the names of establishments, addresses, and types of violating products on mass media. If there are signs of criminality, they shall request to transfer the case to the police for handling in accordance with the provisions of law.

Relevant units proactively coordinate with media agencies to strengthen information, education and communication work on food safety during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

For food production and trading establishments: comply with food safety laws and regulations stipulating facility conditions, equipment and tools, knowledge and practice requirements for people directly involved in production, regulations on the origin of food ingredients, regulations on registration of declarations, self-declaration of products, use of colorants, flavorings, additives, food packaging, and product labeling.

For consumers, the Food Safety Department recommends that localities provide guidance on the selection, processing, preservation and use of safe food; only purchase and use food and food additives with full labels and clear origin; do not use food additives not on the list, for the wrong subjects, or in the wrong dosage according to regulations.

In particular, local medical units must prepare plans, standing forces, vehicles, supplies, and chemicals to be ready to provide emergency aid and treatment to patients in case of food poisoning; investigate food poisoning cases, determine the cause of poisoning, and implement measures to prevent the risk of food poisoning and foodborne diseases.

According to Vietnam+