In celebration of World Food Safety Day, Mekong Institute (MI) and partner organizations, through PROSAFE or Promoting Safe Food for Everyone Project, will be holding a series of events in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Myanmar and Vietnam in the week of June 5, 2023.
Centered on this year’s theme “Food standards save lives”, the PROSAFE events are tailored to support the agrifood sector of the Mekong countries to gain greater market access through increased food standards compliance. The activities are expected to draw attention to the importance of food safety practices and management in building consumer trust and confidence, facilitating trade and export, protecting farmers and their businesses, and promoting sustainable development, resulting in a food system that is safe, fair, and sustainable.
Increasing the competitiveness of Mekong agrifood products through safe and effective preservation and packaging techniques
June 5-16 | Khon Kaen, Thailand
A 10-day regional training program on “Preservation and Packaging for Safer Food” is being organized by MI to enhance the knowledge and understanding of food businesses, food regulators, and researchers of different food preservation, packaging, and labeling methods for safe and quality food. At the end of the training, participants from the private sector are expected to identify useful strategies they can apply to their businesses to comply with food standards and increase their opportunities to meet the requirements of national regulations, as well as engage in exporting products abroad.
The course will be led by professors from Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Find out more about the event here.
Encouraging stronger collaboration to improve food safety and quality standards in Cambodia
June 7 | Phnom, Penh, Cambodia
In partnership with the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (CE SAIN), MI is conducting a Food Safety Forum titled “Driving the Growth of Cambodian Agri-food Sector through Increased Food Standards Compliance”. The one-day forum is designed to promote food safety, build agri-food industry competitiveness, and enhance trade opportunities for Cambodia. It will be attended by about 70 representatives from the national agencies, knowledge institutions, the private sector and civil society organizations.
Speakers for the two sessions will come from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC); Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression (CCF); General Directorate of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; Food Safety Bureau (FSB); UNIDO; Purdue University USA; Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC); Royal University of Agriculture (RUA); and, Eco-Agri Co., Ltd.
With the stakeholders responsible for food safety gathered in the forum, the closing session will be dedicated to exploring collaborative action toward building a culture of food safety in Cambodia through partnerships among government, industry, and consumers.
Find out more about the event here.
Guiding more food business operators in complying with the new GHP in Lao PDR
June 7 | Vientiane, Lao PDR
To widely disseminate the new version of the Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and requirements for compliance, MI and the Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health are gathering food business operators and national food regulators for a workshop on “Lao Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) Standard: Implementation and Updates“.
Lao PDR recently updated its document on Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) based on the Codex Alimentarius, and this is expected to be officially enforced in the country soon. Hence, the workshop is expected to provide guidance to food business operators and national food regulators for effective implementation of the new regulations.
Find out more about the event here.
Raising youth’s awareness of the key food safety standards and practices for a healthy society
June 7 | Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Spearheaded by PROSAFE Alumni, Souphanouvong University will be celebrating the World Food Safety Day through an educational forum titled “Ensuring Food Safety: Key Standards and Practices for a Healthy Society” on June 7, 2023 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
Convening about 200 lecturers and students, the one-day event will empower students to make informed choices about the food they consume and handle. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants will gain a solid foundation in food safety, ensuring their well-being and that of their communities.
Helping Myanmar SMEs to better understand food standards for increased compliance
June 7 | Yangon, Myanmar
MI and Myanmar Innovative Life Sciences (MILS) will be holding a forum on “Leveraging Food Standards to Improve Market Access” to foster better food safety standards compliance among small and medium food enterprises in Myanmar.
Experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations World Food Programme, SBN Myanmar, AYA Bank, Shan Orchard, Food Science and Technology Association, and the International Trade Center will grace the event to share their knowledge and experiences in supporting SMEs to comply with global food safety standards for more trade opportunities.
Find out more about the event here.
Encouraging Street Food Vendors to Practice Five Keys to Safer Food
June 7 | Online
Part of the Sell Safe Eat Safe Campaign, an online forum for street food sellers and home-cooked food handlers will be conducted by PROSAFE Alumni from Myanmar to share their knowledge on the importance of hygiene in food preparation. The event will focus on raising the awareness of street food vendors about the World Health Organization’s Five Keys to Safer Food.
Find out more about the event here.
Promoting packaging and labeling standards to Vietnamese food manufacturers and processors
June 9 | Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Exploring the significance of effective packaging and labeling management and practices in protecting consumer health, MI and the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City will organize a PROSAFE Forum on Ensuring Trust and Safety: Regulatory Framework and Food Safety Standards in Packaging and Labeling. The forum will bring together experts, industry professionals, regulators, and stakeholders to discuss challenges, innovations, and best practices regarding packaging and labeling for safer food.
The event will have four sessions and a panel discussion which will feature experts from the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam Packaging Association.
Find out more about the event here.
