DIRECTIVE No.08/1999/CT-TTg of April 15, 1999 on enhancing the foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety guarantee

In order to put an end to the situation of lax management over foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety, and restore the order and discipline in the foodstuff production and food catering services, the Prime Minister instructs:

- Every year from 1999, the "month of action for foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety" shall be organized to mobilize the people, local administration at all levels, ministries and agencies to actively take part in the prevention of and combat against the food poisoning and diseases and plague caused by food, as well as the restoration of order and discipline in the foodstuff production and food catering services. The time to launch such activity shall be proposed by the Ministry of Health.

- The presidents of the People�s Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities shall have to regularly carry out the following tasks: propaganda and dissemination of legislation on foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety and food catering service provision in their respective localities; directing the provincial/municipal Health Services to assume the prime responsibility and coordinate with the concerned branches in inspecting the conditions for ensuring foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety by foodstuff production or food catering establishments, and strictly handling violations of legislation on foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety guarantee; socialization of activities for foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety.

The Prime Minister also defines the responsibilities of the concerned ministries and branches for enhancing the foodstuff quality, hygiene and safety guarantee.- (Summary)