From July 2, Vietnamese instant noodle products will officially be removed from the category of products subject to food safety control of the European Union (EU).

This is information published by the European Commission (EC) in the Official Gazette on June 12 in Regulation No. 2024/1662 on reviewing and applying measures to strengthen additional inspection; Emergency measures to manage the import of agricultural products and food from third countries into the EU according to regulations 2019/1973. However, the frequency of inspection at the border gate for Vietnamese instant noodles is still maintained at 20%.

According to Mr. Tran Ngoc Quan, Vietnam Trade Counselor in Belgium and the EU, this is the result of the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Trade; Relevant authorities and businesses in improving quality and ensuring food safety for instant noodle products exported to the EU.

Being removed from food safety control will help Vietnamese instant noodles more easily reach the EU market, which has great potential with more than 450 million people. This is also the result of the process of building a national brand for Vietnamese agricultural products.

Besides instant noodles, the EU has also adjusted inspection regulations for a number of other Vietnamese agricultural products such as: dragon fruit, border inspection frequency increased from 20% to 30%; Chili peppers are moved from Appendix I (50% control) to Appendix II (50% control) and are accompanied by a Food Safety Certificate; results of analysis and testing of pesticide residues in products; Okra is kept at 50% inspection frequency and is accompanied by a Food Safety Certificate and analysis and testing results of pesticide residues in the product. Durian products still maintain the 10% inspection frequency.

The EU's adjustment of inspection regulations for Vietnamese agricultural products is a positive signal showing the EU's trust in Vietnam's food quality and safety.

More important is the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international arena. Because the EU is one of the key export markets of Vietnamese agricultural products. This is also one of the markets with many strict and scientific technical requirements. If we comply well with the requirements of the EU market, it will be an opportunity to bring Vietnamese agricultural products into many potential markets around the world; while Vietnam has been participating in up to 19 bilateral and multilateral FTAs ​​with most economies in the world.

Source: Times Newspaper