Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid a visit to a fruit market and vegetable farm in Hanoi to examine food safety at the facilities on Tuesday morning.

Merchants at the Long Bien fruit and vegetable wholesale market, and veggie farmers in Van Duc Commune, Hanoi were surprised to recognize the Vietnamese premier at day break.

Accompanying PM Phuc were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong, among other high-ranking officials.

The head of government arrived at the market at around 5:00 am, asking the sellers about their product’s origins and preservation methods, as well as other questions regarding their business operations and income.

He stopped at several stalls during the brief visit and reminded the merchants to ensure food safety for themselves and their consumers.

The premier left Long Bien Market at 5:30 am for the Van Duc vegetable farm, discussing the cultivation of green veggies and the application of harmless fertilizers and plant protection products.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks to a merchant at the Long Bien fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Hanoi on September 27, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The trip concluded later in the morning, before the prime minister headed to the headquarters of the Hanoi People’s Committee for a scheduled meeting.

During the gathering, PM Phuc praised the city’s effort and commitment to making basic changes to the local food safety situation, evidenced by citizens’ greater awareness of the matter.

He spent most of the time addressing issues relating to the lack of proper hygiene at several street diners, makeshift markets, and slaughterhouses.

He highlighted the Vietnamese people’s concern over food safety matters, asserting that stern punishments must be imposed upon violators of food safety regulations.

Local leaders are responsible for protecting residents’ health and wellbeing by carrying out more regular inspections on food processing facilities, markets, and eateries across the capital.

Replying to the premier, Chairman of the municipal administration Nguyen Duc Chung pledged to continue his efforts in ensuring food hygiene and improving the lives of city dwellers.

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