Da Nang dismisses overcharging claims at Son Tra Night Market after preliminary inspection
Local authorities in Da Nang, central Vietnam said on Sunday that preliminary inspections had found no evidence of overcharging at Son Tra Night Market, following social media posts alleging that some vendors had charged excessive prices.
Tourists and local residents enjoy a night-time food scene in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre
Located in An Hai Ward near the iconic Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Night Market is one of Da Nang's best-known tourist attractions for shopping and street food.
Every evening, it attracts large numbers of visitors who come to shop, dine, and take photos.
The People's Committee of An Hai Ward had acknowledged that several social media posts had alleged that some vendors at Son Tra Nigh Market were overcharging customers, selling stale seafood, diluting watermelon juice with water, and failing to meet food safety and hygiene standards.
In response, the committee ordered a preliminary inspection of the market on the night of July 25, and initial findings showed that seafood, food, and beverage stalls had generally displayed price lists or menus publicly.
Inspectors found no cases of vendors charging prices different from those listed, committing payment fraud, price gouging, or coercing customers into using their services.
No documents, receipts, or other specific evidence has been found to support the allegations of overcharging as reported on social media.
In addition, inspectors did not detect any instances of spoiled or substandard food being sold or watermelon juice being diluted with water.
Tourists and local residents enjoy a night-time food scene in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre
However, the An Hai Ward People's Committee said the findings reflected only the preliminary inspection conducted at the time of the inspection, and were not sufficient to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding the allegations related to food quality and food safety.
The ward said it would establish an inter-agency inspection team to review vendors' legal documentation, verify food origins, inspect food preparation and storage conditions, and collect samples for food safety testing.
Authorities will also inspect compliance with price listing regulations and ensure that vendors charge customers according to posted prices, while strictly handling any violations that are found.
The local government has also instructed the night market management unit and relevant agencies to strengthen inspections, improve oversight of vendors, and promptly receive and address complaints from residents and tourists in accordance with regulations.
Thai Ba Dung - Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News