Binh Phuoc authorities inspect food safety in the area - Photo: A LOC
Using the same trick, criminals sent notices of inspection and monitoring of establishments via the social network Zalo to intimidate businesses and appropriate their assets.
Causing panic to transfer "bribe" money
In Ho Chi Minh City, on September 25 and 26, Ho Chi Minh City Police recorded a case of some people pretending to be health officials calling the owners of food service establishments. Then, they asked the establishments to add friends on the social network Zalo to send a notification decision to monitor and inspect the establishments.
These people sent a number of documents impersonating the Department of Health to businesses, such as decisions and notices from the Department of Health on the establishment of inspection and supervision teams for food production and business establishments in the city. They took samples of similar forms of documents from state agencies to cut and paste.
Similarly, in Binh Phuoc, the Food Safety and Hygiene Department of Binh Phuoc province also received a text message with a photo from a representative of a local restaurant asking about two inspection and supervision notices from the department.
The image includes Decision 115 on the establishment of an inspection and supervision team of the Binh Phuoc Department of Health and Notice 01 on the inspection and supervision team conducting inspections of food production and trading establishments sent to a restaurant in Tien Hung commune, Dong Xoai city.
However, after checking the information and images sent by the people, Binh Phuoc Department of Health confirmed that it did not issue the above decision and notice. The two documents above are completely fake.
Speaking to Tuoi Tre , Ms. Pham Khanh Phong Lan - Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety - said she also received a notice about impersonating the Department of Health to inspect food production and trading establishments.
The unit quickly issued an urgent notice to the people to be vigilant against the tricks of impersonating inspectors. These people prey on the panic of sloppy businesses that are afraid of inspection.
"Before the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department conducts a scheduled inspection, it sends a direct written notice of the inspection time to the units. As for surprise inspections, a decision will also be made upon arrival, and the unit often coordinates with local forces.
In addition, the list of inspection facilities according to the annual plan must be submitted to the City Inspectorate for approval to avoid duplication. If there is a surprise inspection, there must be a basis for information, and the inspection team must meet professional standards," said Ms. Lan.
Who is authorized to inspect food production and business establishments?
According to Ms. Pham Khanh Phong Lan, the inspection, examination and supervision of food production and trading establishments in the city will be undertaken by the Department of Food Safety. The Department recommends that people be cautious of the above information and scams.
If you receive the above notice, please contact the Department of Food Safety via hotline 028.39301714 or the nearest police station for instructions on how to handle it.
Ms. Do Thi Nguyen - Director of the Department of Health of Binh Phuoc province - said that there are currently two units inspecting and checking food production and trading activities in the area.
Specifically, inspection activities are the function of the Department Inspectorate, while inspection is the function of the Department and the Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-Department. In addition, inspection and surprise inspection work is signed and issued by the Department Director.
About two months ago, the department also issued decisions on food safety and hygiene, medical examination and treatment, and many other areas. In addition, the department also established a hotline reception team, and published the phone number on the department's website as well as the media.
When citizens or businesses suspect any problem, they can report it to a member of the team via the hotline (0967.871.818) or the phone number of the head of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department (0918.141.369). The team members will grasp and respond to the department's leaders for inspection, investigation or other measures.
Up to now, the department's hotline has also received some information from people but has been answered immediately. "This is the first time the department has received such a report of impersonation. That same night, the department issued an urgent warning to the authorities, affiliated units and people to raise vigilance and avoid being scammed," said Ms. Nguyen.
According to Ms. Nguyen, previously, information was posted on the department's official website for people to grasp. In the coming time, the department will design and manage the department's social networking group to increase propaganda, warnings and prevent cases of impersonating the department to commit fraud. At the same time, provide necessary information to better serve the needs of the people.
Does the Department of Health have the right to inspect food safety?
Doctor Ho Van Han - Chief Inspector of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health - said that in December 2023, the City People's Committee held a conference to announce the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety along with regulations on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Department of Food Safety.
Thus, from 2024 onwards, the Department of Health Inspectorate will no longer have the function of inspecting and examining food production and trading establishments.
Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department conducts food safety inspections nationwide. In addition, the Department of Health, the Food Safety and Hygiene Sub-Department, and the Food Safety Management Agency under the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities conduct food safety inspections at the provincial level...
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gia-danh-so-y-te-kiem-tra-quan-an-de-kiem-tien-lo-lot-20240928075029217.htm
Comment (0)