Enhancing the management of goods for the Full Moon Festival in lunar January

Following the Lunar New Year in 2025, the full moon festival in lunar January commences. The relevant sectors and localities within the province are intensifying market management efforts to ensure stable prices and food safety during the festival. 

Prices of numerous items have declined

Records from various supermarkets and traditional markets in the province indicate that the range of goods available for the Full Moon Festival in lunar January is quite diverse. The supply of products is assured, and the prices of numerous items have significantly decreased compared to Tet. Specifically, the price of bitter melon has dropped from 40,000 VND/kg during Tet to 20,000 - 25,000 VND/kg; herbs have fallen from 45,000 VND/kg to 35,000 VND/kg; and high-quality pork belly has decreased from 230,000 - 240,000 VND/kg to 220,000 VND/kg. Additionally, the prices of certain fruit offerings have also declined compared to the pre-Tet period, with custard apples decreasing from 60,000 - 80,000 VND/kg to 45,000 VND/kg, and dragon fruit prices reduced from 40,000 VND/kg to 35,000 VND/kg.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Be, a vendor of vegetables and fruits at Thu Dau Mot Market in Thu Dau Mot City, stated that currently, the range of goods available, particularly food, vegetables, tubers, and fruits, is quite diverse, yet purchasing power remains unchanged compared to the previous year. Prices for certain items that rose during the pre-Tet period are now declining and are expected to normalize in the coming days.

In contemporary supermarkets and traditional markets, the variety of food products and ingredients catering to the vegetarian demographic is extensive, encompassing numerous types and designs. A wide array of domestically produced processed, canned, and frozen items has gained popularity among consumers, including dried bamboo shoots, instant noodles, brown rice, dried rice, vegetarian mushroom balls, vegetarian squid, vegetarian chicken feet, and vegetarian grilled pork chops. The prices of these items have remained relatively stable compared to typical periods, with mushroom patties priced at 120,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, vegetarian shredded pork floss at 150,000 - 200,000 VND/kg, and dried seaweed at 35,000 VND per 100-gram bag.

To enhance the oversight and management of infractions 

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Dong, Director of the Provincial Market Management Department, stated that to effectively execute market stabilization and ensure food safety for residents and tourists during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the provincial market management sector has proactively devised a plan and collaborated with relevant agencies to implement comprehensive measures for food safety throughout the festival. Specifically, the Market Management Teams will formulate suitable management and oversight plans based on the unique circumstances and characteristics of each locality.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Le Vy, Deputy Head of the Thu Dau Mot Market Management Board, stated that the Board broadcasts daily messages regarding food safety, environmental hygiene, and price posting, urging traders to sell goods with clear origins, adhere to appropriate pricing, and display prices in accordance with regulations. Additionally, the Market Management Board consistently collaborates with Market Management Team No. 1 to collect food samples for the inspection of input materials and the quality of food products in production and processing at the market.

According to Mr. Nguyen Doan Hoang Tuan, Captain of Market Management Team No. 1, the market price situation in Thu Dau Mot City before, during, and after Tet remains relatively stable. While the prices of certain essential goods have experienced a slight increase compared to the pre-Tet period, there is no shortage of goods or local price surges. Currently, the prices of green vegetables and fresh flowers remain significantly elevated compared to typical days. As the peak of the Full Moon Festival in lunar January approaches, food and beverage establishments, as well as parking service providers in the vicinity of the Thien Hau temple, are fully displaying prices in accordance with legal requirements. Some establishments that have raised prices compared to normal days have been reminded by market management authorities to adhere to regulations.

The results of the market inspection and regulatory activities conducted before, during, and after the Lunar New Year 2025 indicate that, overall, business households are largely compliant with food safety regulations. The incidence of violations concerning the use of prohibited substances, such as formaldehyde, borax, and food coloring in food production and processing, has diminished. Additionally, small traders have effectively adhered to pricing guidelines, selling at the listed prices. During inspections, Market Management Team No. 1 identified and addressed 13 trade violations, specifically involving goods of unknown origin, intellectual property rights infringements, e-commerce issues, and business registration discrepancies. The market management sector has imposed administrative fines for these violations, totaling 208 million VND.

Mr. Nguyen Doan Hoang Tuan stated that the influx of tourists to Binh Duong is expected to rise in the coming days. Consequently, Market Management Team No. 1 will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and Market Management Boards in Thu Dau Mot City to enhance inspections and rigorously address violations, thereby ensuring security and order, as well as food and traffic safety for both residents and visitors.

Reported by Thanh Hong - Translated by Vi Bao