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.
In a directive signed by Minister Tran Duc Thang, localities and subordinate agencies were told to secure supplies of essential food and consumer goods, closely monitor market demand, and coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to avoid shortages and unjustified price increases before, during and after Tet.
Food safety inspections will be stepped up at wholesale markets, production sites, processing plants and food businesses, with strict penalties for violations to protect public health, the ministry said.
The directive also calls for strengthened disaster forecasting and early warnings for extreme weather such as cold spells, frost, drought and saltwater intrusion, alongside round-the-clock readiness to respond and limit damage to agriculture and daily life.
In coastal areas, agencies were tasked with closely monitoring fishing vessel operations, proactively supporting and guiding fishermen in risk prevention at sea, and encouraging them to continue offshore fishing activities, as well as timely assistance for disadvantaged fishing families during Tet.
Environmental protection agencies were told to ensure continuous operation of waste treatment systems and strictly prevent garbage accumulation in urban areas, residential zones and commercial centres, while enhancing monitoring and preparedness to respond to air pollution and environmental incidents throughout the Tet holiday.