Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Phung Duc Tien, has issued directives to provincial and municipal authorities nationwide, urging stricter management and control of animal slaughter to ensure food safety and prevent disease outbreaks during the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday.

Addressing concerns over food safety violations

The directive follows reports highlighting violations in slaughterhouse operations, including illegal facilities processing diseased animals and selling untraceable meat to food manufacturers.

Recent investigations uncovered tons of unidentified meat and unregulated livestock at wholesale markets, raising significant concerns about public health and environmental impact.

Local authorities and veterinary services have intercepted numerous shipments of unsafe animal products that failed to meet veterinary hygiene and food safety standards.

As Lunar New Year approaches, demand for livestock and poultry meat surges, intensifying the need for stringent monitoring. However, lapses in local governance and oversight at slaughter facilities have increased risks of food safety violations, animal disease transmission, and environmental pollution.

Stricter measures for safer food production

In response, the MARD directive calls on provincial and municipal People's Committees to:

Enhance inspections: Conduct both scheduled and surprise inspections of slaughter facilities, focusing on veterinary hygiene and food safety standards.

Enforce penalties: Impose strict penalties on unlicensed and non-compliant slaughterhouses, particularly those processing diseased animals or operating without veterinary supervision.

Monitor food safety: Implement proactive surveillance programs for food products of animal origin to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Strengthen coordination: Establish and enforce collaboration mechanisms among local authorities, veterinary services, health departments, police, and market regulators. This includes timely communication and joint action on issues related to animal transport, slaughter, and meat safety.

Building public trust in food safety

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized that ensuring safe and hygienic meat supplies is critical to protecting consumer health and preventing potential outbreaks of animal-borne diseases.

With comprehensive measures in place, the Ministry aims to reassure the public during the Lunar New Year festivities while fostering confidence in Vietnam’s food safety and veterinary management systems.

Tam An