Vietnam moves to tighten food safety oversight of e-commerce delivery platforms

Vietnamese authorities are advancing plans to amend the country's food safety law to establish clearer accountability standards for e-commerce and delivery platforms operating in the food sector. The regulatory overhaul targets major players including Shopee and Grab, which have grown substantially as intermediaries connecting food vendors with consumers across urban areas.

The proposed revisions seek to clarify the legal obligations and responsibilities of digital platforms in ensuring food safety compliance among their merchant partners. Current legislation was crafted before the explosive growth of online food delivery services, leaving ambiguities regarding liability, inspection standards, and vendor verification protocols that platforms must enforce.

Under the anticipated framework, delivery platforms would face enhanced requirements to vet sellers, monitor food handling practices, and maintain transparent records of transactions and vendor compliance. The changes reflect Vietnam's broader effort to modernize food safety standards as consumer demand for online food services continues to expand rapidly across the region.

Government officials have indicated the revised law will establish clearer enforcement mechanisms while balancing the need to support the growing digital economy. Implementation details remain under development, with stakeholder consultations expected to inform the final legislative text in coming months.