Strengthening management, inspection and supervision of food safety

Accordingly, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has informed the current situation of chemical and antibiotic residues in agricultural and aquatic product exports to Europe and China. Specifically for dragon fruit and jackfruit: By March 2025, the Department of Crop Production and Livestock of Binh Thuan province received a notice from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) announcing that a number of MSVT and CSĐG in Binh Thuan province did not comply with GACC's plant quarantine requirements. Regarding durian, China has recently warned about shipments contaminated with Cadmium and yellowing agent. Through searching the national database system, in Binh Thuan province, 4/16 MSVT and 5/7 CSĐG durian codes were recalled and suspended by GACC due to Cadmium contamination. In addition, regarding the European Union (EU) warning, by February 2025, the whole country had 5 shipments containing pesticide and veterinary drug residues (1 antibiotic residue and 4 pesticide residues).

*Vegetable production in Binh Thuan (illustrative photo).*

In the face of the above situation, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of the province requests the People's Committees of districts, cities and towns to direct the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, the Center for Agricultural Technology and Services and the People's Committees of communes, wards and towns to strengthen the management of MSVT and export CSDG. In particular, focus on urging CSDGs located in their localities to maintain annual periodic monitoring according to regulations. Strengthen training on the safe and effective use of pesticides on vegetables and fruits for farmers, especially focusing on and concentrating in key and main vegetable and fruit growing areas. Propagate and advise farmers to use pesticides in accordance with regulations, comply with the quarantine period before harvesting vegetables and fruits, as well as the harmful effects of pesticide residues on vegetables and fruits when bringing them to the market, especially complying with the regulations on the use of pesticides of the exporting country.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment also requested the Department of Crop Production and Livestock to strengthen inspections to detect and promptly handle establishments that are still trading in pesticides not on the list of those permitted for use in Vietnam, banned drugs, fake drugs, poor quality drugs, etc. On the other hand, take samples of agricultural products to test for pesticide residues on agricultural products. Disseminate to MSVT and CSĐG owners, businesses, and farmers about the regulations and requirements of importing countries to raise awareness and consciousness in cultivation, packaging, and business activities. Absolutely do not use chemicals not on the list of permitted chemicals, banned chemicals, and especially chemicals containing yellow spots on durian fruit.

It is known that the MSVT and CSĐG violating in Binh Thuan are in Ham Thuan Nam, Tuy Phong, Ham Tan, Ham Thuan Bac. In 2024, the whole province issued 52 MSVT to organizations and individuals. To date, Binh Thuan has 599 MSVT in operation.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/tang-cuong-quan-ly-kiem-tra-giam-sat-an-toan-thuc-pham-129337.html