Việt Nam’s Agricultural Products Face Stricter EU Food Safety Controls

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Since the beginning of this year, many of Việt Nam’s agricultural products have been placed under stricter food hygiene and safety controls by the European Union (EU), according to Ngô Xuân Nam, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS Việt Nam). This heightened scrutiny comes as Việt Nam received 57 warnings from the EU in the first half of the year, marking an increase of over 80 percent compared to the same period last year.

Nam highlighted these developments at a conference on Friday, which focused on strengthening commitments related to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures in the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He noted that the surge in EU warnings has led to more frequent inspections at customs for Vietnamese agricultural products. Currently, dragon fruits, chili, and okra are under stricter control.

“The trend of increasing inspections might continue if we don’t implement appropriate solutions,” Nam warned.

Globally, countries and territories have intensified their control over food hygiene and safety. Consumers are increasingly demanding safe products with traceable origins, responsibly sourced items, organic products, emission-reduction products, value-based products, and green products.

Nam emphasized the importance for Vietnamese producers to improve product quality and ensure that food hygiene and safety meet the stringent standards of EU markets. He urged enterprises to invest in understanding the specific requirements of their target markets to enhance compliance and maintain their competitive edge.