In a directive recently signed by Deputy Health Minister Do Xuan Tuyen, the MoH said the number of food poisoning cases and related patients and deaths in 2025 declined compared with 2024, reflecting improved inspections and enforcement. However, several large outbreaks were still recorded at industrial kitchens, schools, household meals, restaurants and street food stalls, with some fatal cases linked to foods containing natural toxins.

Poisoning incidents have been associated with toxic mushrooms, insects, wild plants, forest

fruits and certain seafood, as well as improper processing and storage practices and weak compliance with food safety regulations.

The MoH asked localities to develop risk-based food safety monitoring plans, focusing on high-demand products during the coming Tet and festivals, and seasonal risks such as mushroom poisoning in spring and summer.

Inspection and supervision will be intensified at collective kitchens in industrial parks and schools, catering services, restaurants, street food vendors, and bottled and packaged drinking water producers. Special attention will also be paid to mobile catering services and large gatherings such as weddings and community feasts.

Facilities that fail to meet food safety requirements or operate without valid certificates will be suspended. Violations and penalties will be publicly disclosed to warn consumers.

The MoH also called for stronger public communication on safe food selection, processing and storage, urging people to use products with clear origins and to avoid expired or suspicious foods.

Residents were specifically advised not to harvest, trade or consume unfamiliar wild plants and animals that could pose poisoning risks.

Local health authorities were instructed to be ready with medical staff, medicines and equipment to promptly respond to food safety incidents and minimise casualties.

Food safety tightened, waste backlogs banned ahead of Lunar New Year

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) has ordered nationwide measures to tighten food safety controls, stabilise prices and prevent garbage backlogs ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet), citing rising consumption and environmental risks during the holiday period.