Product traceability, combating unsafe food during the Lunar New Year

Product traceability, combating unsafe food during the Lunar New Year

Consumers trace origins by scanning QR codes.

Through the application of barcodes, QR codes, and modern management tools, authorities are gradually making product information transparent, protecting consumer rights and health.

Strengthen quality management tools

Dr. Tran Hau Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality, stated that the Ministry of Science and Technology has comprehensively implemented tasks under the Government's direction to strengthen quality control of goods, especially food for the Tet holiday.

Specifically, implementing Directive No. 36/CT-TTg dated December 31, 2025, of the Prime Minister on organizing a joyful, healthy, safe, and economical Lunar New Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) 2026, and the instructions of Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Head of the National Steering Committee 389, in Official Letter No. 11554/VPCP-V.I dated November 25, 2025, on enhancing the effectiveness of anti-smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods prevention before, during, and after the Lunar New Year, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Official Letter No. 7896/BKHCN-VP dated December 23, 2025, to direct implementation.

The National Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality is actively organizing the implementation of its mandated tasks while coordinating the implementation of Plan No. 1941/KH-BCĐTƯATTP dated 23/12/2025, issued by the Central Intersectoral Steering Committee on Food Safety, for the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year (Tết) and the 2026 spring festival season.

Under this plan, the Committee assigned officials to participate in interdisciplinary inspection teams led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health in Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Tuyen Quang, and Lao Cai provinces to inspect and evaluate local food safety management. The inspection activities aimed to help residents celebrate Tet and enjoy the Spring safely with guaranteed health, while contributing to a healthy competitive environment among food production and trading establishments.

Assessing state management in the field of product and goods quality, Dr. Tran Hau Ngoc stated that recently, this work has been implemented rigorously and strictly, achieving many positive results and improving the quality of goods circulating on the market.

However, in the face of complex developments regarding counterfeit and substandard goods, especially in the e-commerce environment, along with management requirements amid strong digital transformation, the National Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality advised the Ministry of Science and Technology to submit to competent authorities the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations (Law No. 70/2025/QH15 dated June 14, 2025) and the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality (Law No. 78/2025/QH15 dated June 18, 2025). Both laws will take effect simultaneously on January 1, 2026.

According to Dr. Tran Hau Ngoc, the laws have added many advanced management tools, including: classifying products and goods according to three levels of risk; traceability; e-labels and digital product passports; and developing a national monitoring system for product and goods quality.

Applying barcodes, QR codes, traceability solutions, electronic labels, and digital passports helps identify products and make origin and production processes transparent, especially for goods traded in digital environments; it also enhances food quality control and consumer protection.

Traceability and metrology to protect consumer rights

According to leadership of the National Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality, the Ministry of Science and Technology has currently published 1,173 valid national standards (TCVN) on food, including 16 TCVN on food safety, 33 TCVN on traceability, and 25 TCVN on barcodes and numbering. This serves as an important basis for consumers to choose products complying with technical standards and regulations, giving priority to goods with declared conformity and complete labeling.

When the national quality monitoring system for products and goods is operated synchronously, it will enable early detection and timely warnings regarding counterfeit goods, substandard products, and unsafe food. The system is built on the integration of data regarding technical standards and regulations; inspection and calibration results; conformity assessment; quality inspection; risk alerts; feedback and complaints from consumers and social organizations; along with data on barcodes, traceability, electronic labeling, and digital product passports.

In addition, Dr. Tran Hau Ngoc emphasized the special role of measurement in food trade transactions. "Measurement plays the role of 'weighing and gauging', ensuring the quantity and quantification of goods, as well as openness and transparency between buyers and sellers. Therefore, measurement is an indispensable factor in food trading activities," Dr. Ngoc affirmed.

According to recommendations from the Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality, for pre-packaged foods, consumers should choose products with complete and clear labeling regarding weight, volume, and quantity in compliance with regulations. For non-packaged foods, priority should be given to purchasing from establishments that use measuring instruments inspected and certified by authorized agencies with valid verification. This is a practical way for citizens to protect their legitimate rights, contributing to building a safe and transparent consumer environment during the Lunar New Year.