Thanhniennews
Eating in Vietnam seems suicidal as relevant authorities are unable to control persistent bacteria, mold and deadly chemical contamination
People eating at a roadside eatery in the old quarter of Hanoi. Concerns over food safety are increasing ahead of the Tet holidays as officials urge more actions to ensure food safety. PHOTO: AFP
People eating at a roadside eatery in the old quarter of Hanoi. Concerns over food safety are increasing ahead of the Tet holidays as officials urge more actions to ensure food safety. PHOTO:
AFP Pham Thi Lan’s family has ten years’ experience making rice noodles. They can make white and shiny noodles that do not go rancid thanks to Vietnamese noodle-makers’ long-term secret: banned chemicals. “If there is no borax and anti-rotting substance, the noodles will smell bad in a few hours,” she said. “Even before it smells, people would not buy the noodle because it has a natural sour taste.” The practice of using banned chemicals in food is common in Vietnam amid lax surveillance by relevant authorities, prompting many consumers to fear for their health as the Tet (Vietnam’s Lunar New Year) holiday approaches and giant feasts are expected almost every day. Minister of Health