EU Warns About New Food Regulations: What Should Businesses Do?
Situation of Food Warnings from the EU
Since the beginning of 2025, the European Union (EU) has issued 8 food warnings, 4 of which are related to exports from Vietnam. This accounts for 50% of the total warnings. At the conference titled “Urgent Implementation of Measures to Strengthen Compliance with Food Safety Regulations in the EU Market” held on February 24, Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the SPS Vietnam Office, shared this information.
Reasons for Increased Warnings
According to Mr. Nam, the EU has high food safety standards. The robust legal framework of the EU ensures food safety. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) helps respond promptly. In 2024, the EU issued 5,268 global food warnings. Among these, Vietnam received 114 warnings, nearly doubling the number from 2023.
In the first two months of 2025, the EU issued 624 warnings. Vietnam accounted for 16 warnings, equivalent to 2.6%. Compared to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, this figure is relatively high. Notably, among the 624 warnings, there were 8 warnings about new food products, 4 of which were related to Vietnam’s export products.
Analysis of Warnings
Chemical residues remain the biggest issue. In 2024, of the 114 warnings, 61 were about chemical residues. However, in the first two months of 2025, this percentage decreased to 31.3%. Conversely, warnings about food additives and new food products increased.
The main reason is that businesses have not mastered the regulations. Agricultural products and food that violate regulations can be destroyed or recalled. This causes significant losses for exporters.
Current Export Situation
According to statistics, agricultural export turnover is increasing, but so are the warnings. In 2020, Vietnam exported $2.91 billion worth of agricultural products to the EU and received 40 warnings. By 2022, the turnover rose to $4 billion, and the number of warnings increased to 72. In 2024, Vietnam exported $4.21 billion and received 114 warnings.
Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam stated that there is no correlation between export value and the number of warnings. The international trend is increasing food safety measures. Safe products with traceability are increasingly favored.
Causes of EU Warnings
Several factors contribute to these warnings. One reason is the improper use of pesticides. Many growing areas do not comply with maximum residue regulations. The abuse of antibiotics in aquaculture is also common.
Additionally, the inspection of raw materials has not been emphasized. Businesses have not adhered to HACCP procedures and SPS measures regarding food safety. Updating new EU regulations on new food products has also not been implemented.
Role of Regulatory Authorities
Local regulatory agencies need to be more vigilant. As of February 20, 2025, only 18 out of 63 provinces and cities have developed plans to implement Decision 534/QĐ-TTg. The traceability of products that receive warnings has not been adequately addressed. Only 63 out of 114 products were traced and processed.
What Should Businesses Do?
At the conference, representatives shared insights on new food regulations. Dr. Dao Van Cuong from the SPS Vietnam Office stated that Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 establishes a list of new foods. Agricultural products such as dried basil seeds and snail meat have received warnings.
The snail meat product needs to be registered for licensing. A food safety assessment process is necessary for it to be included in the EU’s licensing list. Businesses need to regularly update new regulations.
Recommendations for Businesses
The SPS Vietnam Office recommends that businesses frequently update regulations. Before exporting, businesses should consult the SPS Office. The regulations are complex and require adherence to specific procedures.
The EU does not set quantity limits for goods. Even a few kilograms can be inspected if violations occur. Without timely solutions, the EU will not allow imports.
Supporting Exporting Businesses
Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam mentioned that the SPS Office will enhance support for businesses. It is essential to disseminate new EU standards to producers. Specialized agencies will advise the Ministry on detailed export procedures.
Strengthening inspection and monitoring of the supply chain is crucial. Production, processing, and packaging stages must be ensured. Tightening the use of pesticides and antibiotics is necessary.
Conclusion
Compliance with food safety regulations is vital. Businesses need to proactively update information and new regulations. Cooperation between regulatory agencies and businesses is essential. Only then can Vietnamese agricultural products thrive in the EU market.
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