Last updated on November 8, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Vietnam’s amended Food Safety Law and updated regulations require all food businesses to comply with new safety standards, registration procedures, and risk-based management systems. Non-compliance can lead to fines, suspension of operations, and revocation of product registration certificates.
Vietnam’s Culinary Heritage Meets Modern Regulation
Vietnam is a land where food is culture—steaming bowls of phở, sizzling bánh xèo, and fragrant herbs define daily life. But behind the vibrant street food scene and booming food industry lies a strict legal framework designed to protect consumers and uphold international standards. In 2025, that framework is undergoing its most significant transformation in over a decade, and ignoring these changes is not an option.
The Legal Backbone: What Changed?
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MOH), through the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA), has introduced sweeping amendments to the Law on Food Safety and its implementing decree, Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. These updates aim to close enforcement gaps, strengthen consumer protection, and align with global best practices.
The amended law introduces:
- Expanded Prohibitions: Stricter bans on misleading advertising, undisclosed sponsorships in nutrition marketing, and concealment of traceability data in e-commerce sales.
- New Responsibilities for Registration Holders: Entities named on product registration certificates now bear full liability for safety, quality, intellectual property compliance, and timely reporting of recalls.
- Risk-Based Oversight: High-risk products and facilities face rigorous inspections, while compliant low-risk operators may benefit from streamlined procedures.
- Enhanced Labelling Rules: Mandatory nutrition warnings and usage instructions, with MOH empowered to update requirements as health priorities evolve.
These changes reflect Vietnam’s commitment to implementing Inspection Conclusion No. 2555/KL-TTCP and meeting obligations under WTO sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Compliance Requirements for Food Businesses
Under the new framework, businesses must:
- Complete product registration or self-declaration procedures as stipulated in the amended law.
- Maintain hygiene standards at production and distribution facilities.
- Implement food safety management systems, such as HACCP or equivalent, for high-risk products.
- Ensure accurate labelling and traceability for all food items sold in Vietnam.
Even small-scale vendors and online sellers are subject to these rules. The government has decentralized certain responsibilities to local authorities, increasing the reach of enforcement across provinces.
Why These Updates Matter
Vietnam’s food industry has grown rapidly, but with growth comes risk—counterfeit products, contamination, and misleading claims have triggered public concern. The new law addresses these issues by introducing sharper regulatory teeth and clearer accountability. It also positions Vietnam as a reliable player in global food trade, where compliance with international standards is non-negotiable.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling food without adhering to updated safety laws can result in:
- Fines: Monetary penalties vary based on the severity of the violation.
- Suspension of Operations: Authorities may halt business activities until compliance is achieved.
- Revocation of Registration Certificates: Breaches such as falsified dossiers or safety risks can lead to permanent loss of registration rights.
- Product Recalls: Mandatory removal of unsafe products from the market.
Repeat violations can escalate to criminal liability, especially in cases involving public health risks.
Practical Implications for Businesses
Compliance is not just a legal obligation—it is a business imperative. Non-compliance can damage reputation, disrupt supply chains, and block access to lucrative export markets. While the new rules introduce additional costs and administrative steps, they also create a level playing field and enhance consumer trust.
Digitalization is easing the burden: electronic submissions for registration and inspection reports are now accepted, and the government is developing unified management software to streamline processes from central to local levels.
Cultural and Economic Context
Vietnam’s culinary identity remains intact, but its food industry is entering a new era of accountability. From street vendors to multinational corporations, every player must adapt to a system that prioritizes safety and transparency. These reforms are not about stifling tradition—they are about safeguarding it for generations to come.
Closing Note
Vietnam’s food scene thrives on flavor and authenticity, but in 2025, it also demands compliance. Selling food without following the new safety law updates is not just risky—it’s illegal. For businesses, the message is clear: embrace the rules, protect your customers, and keep Vietnam’s culinary legacy strong.
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Sources
Bộ Y tế – Dự thảo sửa đổi Luật An toàn thực phẩm
https://moh.gov.vn
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Cục An toàn thực phẩm – Quy định về quản lý an toàn thực phẩm
https://vfa.gov.vn
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