STRONGER CLMV FOOD SAFETY RESPONSIVENESS THROUGH TRACEABILITY
September 27, 2021
In continued efforts to strengthen national food control systems, Mekong Institute (MI) completed a training program to support efforts of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) in enhancing the competitiveness of their agri-food products in regional and international markets.
“A robust food traceability system builds trust in the food chain, makes more responsive food safety emergency strategies, and systematizes logistics and distribution,” Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia, MI Program Director for Agricultural Development and Commercialization, said during her opening remarks.
She added that applying tracking systems, which can range from the basic to the sophisticated such as the use of paper tags or blockchain technologies, can help reduce contamination and spoilage of products, which save business owners’ investments and safeguard consumers’ health.
From September 20 to 24, sessions on food safety traceability principles, processes, best practices, and tools were presented to 31 government, academic, and private sector representatives.
Regional experts from Source Trace and Siam Makro Public Company, Limited also showcased how bar and QR codes provide immediate information to food operators, traders, and consumers as products move across the supply chain from production to distribution.
The online regional training on “Traceability in the Food Chain” is one of PROSAFE’s activities in 2021. Supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme, PROSAFE enhances food safety capabilities of agri-food supply chain stakeholders in CLMV. It also builds strong partnerships and collaboration between the public and private sectors to institutionalize and sustain a food safety culture.