In essence, Vietnam lacks unified food laws, although a Food Law is currently being drafted (planned to be promulgated in 2010). Food quality and safety is regulated by a number of sub-law regulations. Under the existing system, regulations are issued under Ordinances (by National Assembly), Decrees, Circulars (by the Government) and Decisions (Ministerial & Inter-ministerial Departments).

The Ministry of Health manages all processed food, food additives, food colorants & flavours, residues and processing aids. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) oversees all fresh foods and raw materials: Animal Origin (Dept of Animal Health); Plant Origin (Dept of Plant Protection) and Fishery Products (National Fishery Quality Assurance Department). 

Vietnam is a member of Codex, OIE, IPPC and adopts and implements international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice.