Stiff Penalties for Use Of Harmful Food Additives

Use of harmful food additives in food processing will from now on face very harsh penalties as per a new decree passed by the government effective from December 31, 2013. As per the new decree, maximum penalty for administrative violation against food safety and hygiene will be VND100 million ($4,800) for individuals and VND200 million ($9,600) for organizations. Anyone who adds dangerous additives to food items will be fined VND70-100 million ($3,315-4,800). If a person uses food additives of unclear origin, they will be penalized VND40-50 million ($1,896-2,368). The new decree also states clearly that people using expired food additives in cooking food will be fined VND10-20 million. In addition, if owners of eateries overuse additives, they will be fined VND3-5 million. Besides fines, violators will face withdrawal of food safety certificates or be forced to shut down operations. (Sai Gon Giai Phong – Saigon Liberation Nov 25)