Revoke licenses and suspend operations of bottled water production facilities that violate regulations.

(Baonghean) - Regarding the case of 21 bottled water production facilities whose products failed to meet quality standards, relevant authorities are investigating to clarify the responsibilities of the units and individuals involved. From there, appropriate and strict measures will be taken to build a healthy production and business environment, ensuring the health and rights of consumers.

Revoke licenses and suspend operations of violating establishments.

Immediately after receiving the test results, based on Government Decree 80/2013/ND-CP regulating administrative penalties in the field of standards, measurement and product quality, the Inspectorate of the Department of Science and Technology proceeded to impose administrative penalties on 21 establishments with substandard products, totaling 35.5 million VND, and ordered the recall of all violating batches.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha, Chief Inspector of the Department of Science and Technology, said: Due to the serious violations of these establishments, which affect consumer health, in addition to imposing administrative penalties, the Department of Science and Technology has recommended that the Provincial People's Committee direct the Department of Health to consider suspending operations for a specified period until these establishments take corrective measures.

For facilities using fake test result certificates, the Department of Science and Technology recommends that the Provincial People's Committee direct the Department of Health to suspend operations and revoke licenses; and compel these facilities to conduct quality testing and declare conformity again in accordance with regulations.

The product packaging and labeling process at Hang Hieu facility does not comply with regulations.

Regarding measures to handle these establishments, Mr. Dao Trong Dung, Head of the Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-Department (Department of Health), said: Upon receiving the inspection results, the sub-department sought guidance from the Department of Health to suspend the operations of establishments violating quality standards as well as those using fake test results. In the coming time, the sub-department will invite these 21 establishments to work with them to inform them of the handling plan and at the same time require them to immediately rectify the violations.

“The Sub-Department will form a team and conduct a comprehensive inspection of all facilities in the province. If any facility is found to be in violation, further penalties will be imposed according to regulations. The Sub-Department will also require facilities using fake test results to take water samples for testing at valid Vilas laboratories to obtain a certificate of conformity before releasing the products to the market,” Mr. Dung said.

Responsibilities need to be clarified.

Clearly, the fact that substandard bottled water is still being sold on the market, using fake test results, is partly the responsibility of the Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-Department. This unit is tasked by the State with guiding, evaluating, and issuing conformity certificates to food production and business establishments in the province. It also carries out inspections and supervision of the implementation of food safety and hygiene regulations by production and business establishments.

It is known that the Sub-Department conducts inspections of bottled water production facilities twice a year. Additionally, according to regulations, these facilities must take samples for testing and submit them to the Sub-Department for inspection every six months.

When asked why, despite numerous inspections, the agency did not detect these violations, Mr. Dao Trong Dung stated: “During the inspections, the agency did find many establishments violating regulations, but mainly in production hygiene and occupational safety. The agency proceeded to issue violation reports and impose penalties in accordance with regulations. Due to the large number of bottled water production facilities, spread across a wide area, and the limited number of staff, it was impossible to inspect them all.”

Water samples from Hai An Production and Trading Co., Ltd. have been sealed.

The Food Safety and Hygiene Department instructed officials in the Inspection Department and the reception and results delivery unit to submit reports and self-criticisms regarding their professional activities. Accordingly, officials in the Inspection Department committed to not protecting or independently taking samples from these establishments for testing. “Regarding the officials in the reception and results delivery unit, they were unaware that Vilas 236 of the Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality had expired, so they still submitted the files to the leadership for approval and issuance of conformity certificates. This was a shortcoming of the reception and results delivery unit,” Mr. Dung explained.

Mr. Dung further affirmed: "Regarding the process of issuing conformity certificates, the sub-department has acted correctly. As for whether or not sub-department officials arbitrarily took samples from these establishments for testing, or 'brokers' for test result slips, we are awaiting guidance from the Department of Health as well as the documents provided by the inspection team to clarify. When there is sufficient evidence of violations, the sub-department will strictly handle them according to the law."

Clearly, holding officials accountable is necessary, but as a manager, Mr. Dao Trong Dung needs to properly acknowledge his responsibility in this matter. Furthermore, the Vilas certificate plays a crucial role in the procedures for issuing conformity certificates; therefore, reviewing and verifying the validity of the Vilas certificates is the responsibility of the sub-department.

Information about numerous bottled water production facilities in the province failing to meet quality standards is causing anxiety and concern among the public. For many families, bottled water is an indispensable part of their daily lives. People hope that the authorities will promptly investigate and require all water production facilities to ensure quality before releasing products to the market. They also expect appropriate action against facilities and individuals found to be in violation.

This is also the common desire of consumers who use bottled water. Therefore, relevant authorities need to quickly clarify the situation, strictly punish organizations and officials who have committed violations, restore trust, and ensure the health and rights of the people.

Nghe An Newspaper will continue to provide readers with related information.

Pham Bang