Modernizing Food Safety: Key Takeaways from the Draft Food Safety Law (Amended)
Food safety touches every household, and proposed changes to the legal framework aim to modernize how food production, distribution, and oversight are handled from farm to table. During the 2nd Session of the 16th National Assembly, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan—authorized by the Prime Minister—presented the draft Law on Food Safety (Amended). This comprehensive overhaul consists of 9 chapters and 74 articles, replacing outdated provisions with risk-based management strategies aligned with international Codex standards. Here is a detailed look at what the proposed legislation entails, what changes are on the horizon for businesses and regulators, and the key refinements recommended by lawmakers. Key Pillars of the Proposed Law The draft law shifts the primary focus of food safety oversight from pre-market approvals to continuous supply chain control and targeted post-inspections. Risk-Based Categorization: Foods will be divided into high-risk and low-risk c...