The inspection, which is scheduled to last until April 15, will focus on drug producers and the representative offices of foreign pharmaceutical companies operating in Vietnam.

The Food Hygiene and Safety Department (FHSD), meanwhile, is also carrying out an inspection of the quality of milk in eight cities and provinces. The FHSD has collected samples of powered and fresh milk from five localities including Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son and Ha Nam. The work is planned to continue in April.

FHSD director Nguyen Cong Khan says that the poor quality of milk in Vietnam is attributed to the operations of many small businesses, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. The draft decree of the implementation of the law on food hygiene and safety proposes closing down businesses that commit more than four violations.