Strengthening the management of bottled and jarred drinking water quality

Over 50% of establishments in the area have been inspected

According to a report by the Hanoi Department of Food Safety and Hygiene (Hanoi Department of Health), there are currently about 380 establishments producing and trading bottled and jarred drinking water in the city (a decrease of about 100 establishments compared to previous years). Since the beginning of 2021, the Hanoi Department of Food Safety and Hygiene has developed a plan to inspect and check the quality of bottled and jarred water and delegated it to 30 districts, towns and cities to directly inspect according to their management areas.

Head of the Hanoi Department of Food Safety and Hygiene Dang Thanh Phong said that up to now, the authorities have inspected more than 50% of the existing bottled and jarred drinking water production and trading establishments in the city. Through inspection, the majority of establishments have complied well with regulations on hygiene and food safety conditions. However, there are facilities that have been affected by the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, affecting the production process and changing the workforce. Specifically, in some places, the extraction area has been degraded, and the disinfection lighting system has not been guaranteed.

“Common violations include lack of disinfection equipment and tools, degraded facilities, and improper personal hygiene practices by production staff… When we discover even the smallest problems with hygiene and food safety conditions, we have taken strict action and requested the violating facilities to promptly correct the violations. Along with that, inspection teams have taken water samples for on-site testing and samples circulating on the market for testing, thereby promptly issuing warnings to consumers,” said Mr. Dang Thanh Phong.

According to Dang Thi Thanh Quyen, Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Industrial Economics and Technology, some businesses are currently looking for ways to reduce production costs, eliminate some stages from the production line or use unsanitary bottles. In addition, because the business of bottled and jarred drinking water brings in large profits, many fake products and imitations of some major brands have appeared on the market.

"Recently, the authorities have organized inspections and checks on many establishments producing and trading bottled and jarred drinking water. However, the inspection and checking work needs to pay more attention to production establishments using brands similar to famous brands to deceive consumers, especially when detecting fake and counterfeit goods, it is necessary to trace the source for handling", Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Quyen emphasized.

Resolutely say no to unsafe products

Currently, the Hanoi Food Safety and Hygiene Department is coordinating with districts, towns and cities to strengthen re-inspection of the establishment's shortcomings, re-evaluate licensed establishments, and at the same time increase surprise inspections of establishments that trade and produce bottled and canned water... Thereby, the names, addresses of establishments and names of products that violate hygiene and food safety conditions will be publicly announced so that consumers are aware.

In parallel with the inspection, the Head of the Hanoi Food Safety and Hygiene Department, Dang Thanh Phong, said that the Hanoi Food Safety and Hygiene Department has issued notes and instructions to production establishments to promptly correct the shortcomings. At the same time, training courses are organized to provide legal regulations as well as knowledge of ensuring food safety for establishment owners and workers directly involved in the production process. Along with that, promote communication so that consumers know how to choose safe products with guaranteed quality.

Director of Ha Dong Clean Water Company Limited, Duong Minh Hai, shared that recently, due to the impact of the epidemic, the company's products have also decreased in consumption in the market. However, this is also a time for the facility to review and re-evaluate production and business plans, while improving knowledge and tightening regulations on ensuring food safety for workers who directly make the products. From there, the company has proposed a plan to renovate facilities, promote production development and bring quality products to the market.

Mr. Dang Thanh Phong recommends that when buying a bottled or jarred water product, consumers need to check the external appearance, the bottle must be new, not dirty, not dented, distorted, crushed, punctured... In addition, on the body of the bottle, consumers should carefully observe the label to see if it complies with regulations, especially the origin, date of manufacture, expiry date, and is declared by the competent authority to meet the standards. Do not choose to buy bottled or jarred water products that do not have a clear address, do not declare product quality, and do not have a license to meet hygiene and food safety conditions. Finally, consumers need to show a resolute attitude, do not choose to buy bottled or jarred water products that do not have a clear address, do not declare product quality to prevent food poisoning.

Source:hanoimoi.com.vn