Are live chickens and ducks not sold, and poultry not slaughtered at the market?

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently soliciting feedback on the draft Vietnamese Standard for Food Markets. This standard outlines technical requirements and evaluation criteria for food markets to ensure food quality and safety. The standard applies to food markets located within planned areas (excluding floating markets on rivers) and to relevant organizations and individuals.

Among the regulations, one notable issue is the Ministry of Industry and Trade's draft requiring that live, unslaughtered livestock and poultry not be sold in markets; and that livestock and poultry not be slaughtered in markets.

In addition, the draft also includes requirements for fire safety, lighting systems, and environmental sanitation. Regarding the structure of the market, the draft stipulates that food markets must be built solidly or semi-solidly, ensuring a minimum lifespan of 5 years. Furthermore, the market must not be flooded or have standing water; and must not be affected by areas contaminated with dust, toxic chemicals, or other sources of pollution that could compromise food safety.

The draft by the Ministry of Industry and Trade also sets out requirements for business owners and those directly involved in processing and selling food at markets.

Accordingly, the business owner and those directly involved in the food business must undergo health examinations and be issued health certificates as required by regulations.

We are seeking opinions on prohibiting the sale of live chickens and ducks at food markets.

"For areas where diarrheal diseases are circulating as announced by competent authorities, food vendors must have stool samples taken (to identify organisms in stool that may cause digestive symptoms and illness - PV) and must test negative for the causative agents of these diarrheal diseases, as well as cholera, dysentery bacilli, and typhoid bacteria; the testing must be carried out by health facilities at the district level and above," the draft regulations clearly state.

For food businesses in markets, the draft regulations from the Ministry of Industry and Trade require a sign clearly stating the name of the goods being sold; the full name, address, and contact telephone number of the food business.

Food businesses in markets must "be granted a certificate of eligibility to ensure food safety in processing and trading, or have a commitment to the state management agency on food safety (as prescribed)".

For businesses selling animal products, the draft requires that all animal products on display be stamped with slaughter control seals/labels and/or have quarantine certificates from veterinary authorities.

In addition, animal products displayed for sale must be at least 70cm above the ground, the tabletop must be made of durable, waterproof, non-contaminating, non-corrosive material, with a smooth surface that is easy to clean and disinfect; and equipped with devices to prevent insects and harmful animals.

The draft by the Ministry of Industry and Trade also clearly states that no harmful substances should be used to preserve products; equipment and utensils used for displaying, mixing, and storing animal products must be cleaned and disinfected with clean water before and after sale.

Furthermore, businesses selling vegetables and fruits in the market must commit to the competent state agency that they will not spray, soak, or treat vegetables and fruits with prohibited chemicals (not included in the list of permitted chemicals according to regulations) for preservation; they must have hygienic equipment for displaying vegetables and fruits to ensure quality and food safety; and they must not display vegetables and fruits on the market floor.

According to Vietnamnet