An inspector of the HCM City Food Safety Management Board checks pork imported to Hóc Môn wholesale market. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City becomes the first locality in the country to set up a Department of Food Safety, which began operating on Monday.

The newly-established department, an upgrade of the pilot operation of the Food Safety Management Board, is in line with the National Assembly Resolution 98/2023/QH15 which grants special mechanisms and policies for the city's development.

It is operated under the management of the city People’s Committee. Its functions include State management of food safety in the city, conducting inspections and handling violations of food safety regulations.

HCM City was the first locality in the country to set up the board in December 2016.

Assoc. Prof. Phạm Khánh Phong Lan, head of the board, was appointed as director of the department.

Speaking at a conference announcing the department’s establishment on December 30, Lan said, “We will make efforts to give assurance to residents in the city when it comes to food safety management.”

The city would enhance its food safety to supply food that meets the regulated standards of the market, she said.

Dương Anh Đức, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, said, “It is vital to establish the Department of Food Safety for such a special metropolis like HCM City.”

"It is a breakthrough achievement that will pave the way for sustainable development and ensure social security. Its main mission is to protect the health of people," he said. — VNS