The European Commission (EC) has been compiling a dossier to monitor the level of 2-chloroethanol residues in rice paper products, phở (dried noddles), and bun (vermicelli noodles) imported from the Vietnamese market, according to the Vietnamese Trade Office in Belgium and the EU.

The trade office released the warning, saying if Vietnamese firms fail to tighten control over the residue, then the EC is likely to introduce these products to the list of items subject to food safety control measures, as in the instant noodles case.

This is anticipated to have a significant impact on the country’s processed food exports as the EU is a major market for these products.

Furthermore, instant noodle exporters are required to tighten management over food safety and hygiene in order to allow the country to provide the basis for future discussions with the EC about the removal of the certificate on quality control moving forward.

Vo Thi Ngoc Diep, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in the Netherlands, said the EU has recently issued new regulations No 2023/465 and No 2023/466 relating to the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) in certain food products, including those made from rice, with these rules due to take effect from March 26 and September 29, respectively.

Diep recommended that local agricultural firms regularly monitor the new EU regulations on MRL, promptly supervise and make suitable adjustments for export items in line with the new rules in order to secure a firm foothold in the market.

Source: VOV