Objective: To describe the current status of food safety conditions at bottled drinking water production facilities in Phu Ly city, Ha Nam province, in the second quarter of 2025.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all active production facilities. Data were collected through direct interviews and on-site observations using a structured questionnaire developed in accordance with current food safety regulations. The assessment focused on legal documentation, infrastructure conditions, equipment and utensils, and food safety practices of production workers.
Results: The majority of facilities were individually operated (76.5%), with 100% producing large bottled water and using municipal water sources. Legal compliance was high (100% for key documents), although the overall compliance rate was 58.8%. Infrastructure conditions achieved a compliance rate of 58.8%, with notable limitations in storage areas (70.6%) and sanitation facilities (76.5%). Equipment and utensil conditions reached 70.6%, with deficiencies mainly related to hand hygiene facilities, water treatment systems, and air sterilization systems (70.6%). Food safety practices among direct production workers were relatively good (76.5%), with personal hygiene and bottling practices reaching 94.1%. The overall proportion of facilities meeting all food safety criteria was 52.9%.
Conclusion: Although legal compliance and food safety practices were relatively well maintained, infrastructure and equipment conditions remain inadequate. The overall compliance with food safety requirements is still low, indicating potential risks to food safety.