Mekong Institute (MI), in collaboration with SMEs Development Support Center 2, conducted a food safety training for 30 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on “Packaging and Labeling for Processed Agri-Food” on October 29 and 30, 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to help SMEs be more competitive in local and regional markets. 

“Appropriate food packaging and labeling play an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of food items,” Ms. Maria Theresa Medialdia, MI’s Director of Agricultural Development and Commercialization said during her welcome statement via Zoom from Khon Kaen, Thailand.

The two-day training was designed to help SMEs improve their practices in food packaging and labeling, maintain product quality, and promote hygiene and safety of food products. Specifically, the participants were exposed to various packaging materials, new technologies, and food labeling techniques, as well as storage and distribution requirements.

The training is part of a series of country-based activities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam under the PROSAFE: Promoting Safe Food for Everyone project, which is implemented by MI with support from the New Zealand Aid Programme.