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A FAO-sponsored seminar in Ha Noi on December 7 has affirmed the need to set up a national rapid response system to deal with food safety issues.
Deputy Health Minister Cao Minh Quang said that food poisoning cases, especially mass food poisoning cases, are on the rise, while biological pollution and toxic chemical residues in farm produce and seafood is now the most urgent matter regarding food safety in Viet Nam .
He also pointed to unhygienic practices by food processing and supply establishments and services and uncontrolled food imports.
While the available legal framework has enabled the country to respond timely and effectively to many emergencies including the severe cute diarrhoea epidemic and bird flu, Viet Nam still lacks an official rapid response system, including a national plan and a coordination mechanism for those involved in the task.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) provided Viet Nam with 80,000 USD as part of a three-year project on strengthening management capacity of food safety and hygiene in Viet Nam , Laos and Cambodia.
VNA
5/29/2008
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