Tái diễn tình trạng sản xuất nước đá tại các cơ sở chui | VTV24

Key Concepts:

• Unlicensed ice production facilities
• Food safety and hygiene violations
• Distribution networks for unlicensed ice
• Challenges in regulatory enforcement
• Public health risks associated with contaminated ice

Unlicensed Ice Production and Distribution

The video details the operation of a specialized vehicle designed for transporting ice. A delivery person is shown meticulously arranging as many ice bags as possible for efficient distribution. The journey begins from the production facility to the first destination, a beverage shop in Vĩnh Tường commune, approximately two kilometers away. The ice bags are directly transferred into the shop's freezers. The delivery process is described as quick and proficient, as these are regular customers who frequently restock.

The delivery route extends to other establishments, including neighboring shops, restaurants, eateries, and grocery stores within the area. One grocery store owner confidently states their ability to supply dozens of bags, highlighting the high demand. The retail price for a bag of ice is 10,000 VND, with production facilities selling it at a lower price, ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 VND per bag.

Concerns Regarding Food Safety and Hygiene

Despite the commonality and affordability of ice, there is a lack of public attention to its quality and hygiene standards. Investigations in Vĩnh Thành, Vĩnh An, and surrounding communes reveal that an average of two unlicensed ice production facilities operate in each commune. To circumvent detection, these facilities have adopted a strategy of packaging ice in plain white bags instead of branded ones, a departure from previous practices. This method aims to conceal their illegal operations.

One producer states, "I don't like to put labels on it. If I don't register, it's a waste of work. They control the whole market. There are no labels, no brands, nothing. We don't like to put anyone's name on the label. Because before, when we had a workshop, we didn't have labels, so now it's like we're taking over, but it's still our ice." Another producer mentions, "Sometimes it's printed on the bag, sometimes not."

These facilities operate without approval from health authorities and lack proper water filtration systems. Their production processes do not meet food safety and hygiene standards. The issue is compounded by the fact that unresolved violations from existing illegal facilities are often followed by the emergence of new unlicensed operations.

Widespread Distribution and Regulatory Challenges

Despite the minimal profit margin per bag (only a few thousand VND), these unlicensed ice producers have established an extensive distribution network. This allows their ice to infiltrate various outlets, including grocery stores, beverage shops, restaurants, and even manufacturing companies with large workforces.

Local authorities acknowledge the problem. An official states, "For ice production facilities that are currently operating in the area and do not meet the required conditions, we will take measures to ensure compliance with legal regulations, which will include stopping and prohibiting ice production. If households do not comply with these directives, we will take legal action."

However, enforcement faces significant hurdles. The broad geographical area and limited personnel are major challenges. The lack of specialized staff in food safety and hygiene further exacerbates the situation. While propaganda and public awareness campaigns have been conducted with local communities, the clandestine nature of these operations makes complete control difficult. "The area is very large and the personnel are insufficient. The specialized officials in the field are not adequate, and we have worked with the villages to propagate and mobilize. However, with clandestine operations, there will be some shortcomings in the control process, and in the coming time, we will strengthen state management in this area," an official admits.

Public Health Implications

The video emphasizes that neglecting food safety and hygiene standards, or overlooking violations, directly increases the risk to public health. Given the daily consumption of ice, the extent to which contaminated ice has entered the market from unlicensed facilities remains unknown.

Conclusion

The video highlights a critical issue of unlicensed ice production and distribution, driven by profit and facilitated by weak regulatory oversight. The lack of adherence to food safety and hygiene standards poses a significant threat to public health, with the widespread nature of these operations making it difficult to contain the problem. While authorities acknowledge the need for stricter enforcement, challenges related to resources and the clandestine nature of the businesses persist.