Politburo moves to unify food safety management nationwide

The Politburo has decided to unify food safety management systems across the country, centralizing authority from local to national levels. This consolidation effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, aims to streamline oversight of the entire food supply chain. On November 3, 2026, Tran Cam Tu, a key Politburo official, signed Conclusion No. 114-KL/TW to implement this policy.

The Politburo's decision comes amid growing concerns about food safety in the face of international trade, climate change, and rapid advancements in food technology. By unifying management across all government levels, the Politburo seeks to ensure a robust, science-based approach that aligns with global standards. This unified system will replace the piecemeal oversight previously managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Under the new structure, the Department of Food Safety within the Ministry of Health will become the central hub for food safety oversight. It will assume all functions previously held by the now-defunct ministries, encompassing personnel, records, and facilities. Meanwhile, the Ministries of Agriculture and Industry will retain specialized roles within their respective domains but will collaborate closely with the Health Ministry to refine policies and procedures.

At the provincial and city levels, unified food safety departments will be established under provincial and centrally-run city health departments. These departments will serve as the primary interface for local food safety management, with assigned experts ensuring compliance with the centralized system. This comprehensive approach to food safety management reflects the Politburo's commitment to protecting public health, enhancing population quality, and driving sustainable economic development.