Key facts
- Vietnam is amending its food safety law to include delivery apps.
- The revision aims to implement risk-based management throughout the food supply chain.
- A national interconnected digital data system is planned.
- The Ministry of Health is leading the revision.
- The Government agreed on policy objectives for the amended law on July 9, 2026.
Vietnam is preparing to amend its food safety law, a move that will likely bring delivery platforms such as Grab, Shopee, and Green SM under new regulatory requirements. The Ministry of Health is urgently finalizing the draft Law on Food Safety, which aims to modernize the legal framework by shifting from an administrative approach to one based on risk assessment and control across the entire food supply chain. This revision is a response to ongoing public concerns about food safety, with reports of vendors cutting corners frequently surfacing.
The proposed changes include the development of a national interconnected digital data system and a focus on decentralization. The Government, through Resolution No. 184/NQ-CP issued on July 9, 2026, has agreed on the policy objectives for the amended law. Key areas of focus include managing food safety based on risk control, reforming inspection and management methods for market circulation, establishing the digital data system, and enhancing the management of street food and collective meal provision models. These updates are intended to improve food safety, streamline administrative procedures, and create a more favorable business environment.
Discussions around the amendments have emphasized the need for comprehensive supply chain oversight, from production to consumption. However, there is also a consensus to avoid imposing additional compliance costs or "sub-licenses" on businesses. For smaller businesses and street food vendors, a tailored implementation roadmap is suggested, offering technical support and guidance on user-friendly digital tools rather than immediately applying stringent requirements. The adoption of advanced management systems like HACCP and ISO 22000, along with the application of digital technology for raw material management and process monitoring, is encouraged to enhance transparency and prevent risks.