EU Issues New Food Alerts: How Are Vietnamese Businesses Responding?
Situation of Food Alerts from the EU
Since the beginning of 2025, the European Union (EU) has issued 8 food alerts, with 4 related to Vietnamese export products, accounting for 50% of the total alerts. At the conference on “Urgent Implementation of Measures to Enhance Compliance with EU Food Safety Regulations” held on February 24, Mr. Ngô Xuân Nam, Deputy Director of the SPS Office of Vietnam, shared this information.
Reasons for Increased Alerts
According to Mr. Nam, the EU has high food safety standards, with a robust legal framework ensuring safe food. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) facilitates timely responses. In 2024, the EU issued 5,268 global food alerts, with Vietnam receiving 114 alerts, nearly double that of 2023.
In the first two months of 2025, the EU issued 624 alerts, with Vietnam accounting for 16 alerts, or 2.6%. Compared to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, this figure is relatively high. Notably, out of 624 alerts, 8 were new food alerts, 4 of which involved Vietnamese export products.
Analysis of Alerts
Chemical residues remain the biggest issue. In 2024, out of 114 alerts, 61 were for chemical residues. However, in the first two months of 2025, this rate dropped to 31.3%. Conversely, alerts regarding food additives and novel foods have increased.
The primary reason is that businesses are not well-versed in regulations. Non-compliant agricultural products may be destroyed or recalled, causing significant losses for exporters.
Export Situation
Data shows that while agricultural export turnover has increased, so have alerts. In 2020, Vietnam exported $2.91 billion in agricultural products to the EU, receiving 40 alerts. By 2022, exports rose to $4 billion, with alerts increasing to 72. In 2024, exports reached $4.21 billion, with 114 alerts.
Mr. Ngô Xuân Nam stated that there is no correlation between export value and the number of alerts. International trends are increasingly favoring food safety measures, with safe and traceable products becoming more popular.
Causes of EU Alerts
Several factors contribute to these alerts, including the improper use of pesticides and non-compliance with maximum residue limits in many growing regions. The abuse of antibiotics in aquaculture is also widespread.
Additionally, input material inspections have not been prioritized. Businesses have not adhered to HACCP procedures and SPS measures for food safety. Updates on new EU regulations regarding novel foods have also not been implemented.
Role of Regulatory Agencies
Local regulatory agencies need to be more vigilant. As of February 20, 2025, only 18 out of 63 provinces had developed plans to implement Decision 534/QĐ-TTg. The traceability of alerted products has not received adequate attention, with only 63 out of 114 products traced and addressed.
What Businesses Need to Do
At the conference, participants discussed new food regulations. Dr. Đào Văn Cường from the SPS Office of Vietnam noted that Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 establishes a list of novel foods. Agricultural products such as dried basil seeds and snail meat have received alerts.
Snail meat products need to be registered for licensing. A food safety assessment process is necessary for inclusion in the EU licensing list. Businesses must regularly update themselves on new regulations.
Recommendations for Businesses
The SPS Office of Vietnam recommends that businesses frequently update regulations. Before exporting, businesses should consult the SPS Office, as the regulations are complex and require specific compliance processes.
The EU does not specify the quantity of goods; even a few kilograms can be inspected if violations occur. Without timely solutions, the EU will not allow imports.
Supporting Export Businesses
Mr. Ngô Xuân Nam stated that the SPS Office will enhance support for businesses, disseminating new EU standards to producers. Specialized agencies will advise the Ministry on detailed export procedures.
Strengthening inspections and monitoring of the supply chain is crucial. Production, processing, and preparation stages must be ensured. Stricter controls on pesticide and antibiotic use are essential.
Conclusion
Compliance with food safety regulations is vital. Businesses need to proactively update information and new regulations. Cooperation between authorities and businesses is necessary for Vietnamese agricultural products to thrive in the EU market.
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