Vietnamese
From July 1, 2025, under Law No. 86/2025/QH15, amendments to Article 317 of the Penal Code introduce significantly tougher penalties for violations of food safety regulations
Accordingly, individuals who violate food safety regulations may face a fine ranging from VND 400 million to VND 1 billion or imprisonment from 3 to 7 years if falling into one of the following cases:
Organized crime;
Causing death;
Causing food poisoning that seriously affects the health of between 21 and 100 people;
Causing injury with a bodily harm rate of 61% or more to one person;
Causing injury to two or more people with a combined bodily harm rate from 61% to 121%;
Using substances, chemicals, antibiotics, veterinary drugs, pesticides, food additives, or processing aids that are banned or not on the permitted list, with a value from VND 100 million to under VND 300 million or earning illegal profits from VND 20 million to under VND 100 million;
Using ingredients from diseased or destroyed animals, valued from VND 100 million to under VND 300 million;
Using substances that have not yet been licensed for use or circulation in Vietnam, with a value from VND 300 million to under VND 500 million or earning illegal profits from VND 100 million to under VND 200 million;
Committing the offense in a case of dangerous recidivism.
In addition, violators may also be subject to a fine from VND 40 million to VND 200 million and a ban from holding certain posts, practicing certain professions, or performing certain jobs for 1 to 5 years.
Prior to July 1, 2025, Article 317 of the Penal Code (as amended in 2017) did not specify detailed thresholds for property value or bodily harm, and the maximum imprisonment term was 5 years, with a fine of up to VND 500 million.
