1. Introduction of Food Testing
According to the Food Safety Law No. 55/2010 / QH12 of the National Assembly on June 17, 2010, food testing is a test activity, assessing the conformity with technical regulations and corresponding standards for food, food additives, food processing aids, food supplements, food packaging, utensils and materials containing food.
2. The need of food testing
2.1. Regulated by the Food Safety Law
Food Safety Law No. 55/2010 / QH12 of the National Assembly dated June 17, 2010, regulated:
- Food products must meet the corresponding technical standards, comply with the regulations on the limit of pathogenic microorganisms, residues of plant protection drugs, residues of veterinary drugs, heavy metals, the contamination of pollutants, and other substances in food that may cause harm to health and life.
- Ensuring food safety is the responsibility of all organizations and individuals who act on the production and food business. As a result, food testing is a mandatory activity for organizations and individuals trading and producing food.
2.2 Quality assurance and food safety for consumers
- Food testing is to ensure that the quality of food products meet the requirements.
- Food testing to identify food products that are safe for users. For example food products that do not contain pathogenic microorganisms (Listeria, Salmonella, Vibio), toxic chemicals (e.g. pesticides, banned substances (Aurmine O)), food additives not allowed to be used in food, etc.
2.3. Quality control
The food industry is highly competitive and food manufacturers are continuing to try to increase market share and profitability, in order to do that, food manufacturers must ensure the production and provision high food quality, low cost, safe and good for health. To meet these rigorous requirements, food manufacturers need to conduct food material testing before, during and after the production process to ensure that the final product meets the desired standard. Food testing based on the principle of testing raw materials and semi-finished products is a prerequisite step to safe food products. Next, testing food products is an indispensable activity to record detailed information about food products. Food product testing results can be used for product announcements. Food testing indicates the attributes of a food product to ensure that it meets legal requirements, suitable production label, safe, high quality, preservation of the desired properties up to the time of cancelling the production of that product.
2.4. Research and develop products
In recent years, there have been significant changes in the demand of consumers for food, requiring development of products that will not only guarantee quality, but also be low cost, and support health functions. Food manufacturers have had to develop and promote new product ranges to remain competitive in the food industry. To meet this demand, food manufacturers often hire research teams to develop, improve existing products and reduce production costs. Since then, new products always need to be tested to determine if new products meet the output requirements. Food testing is an essential activity to describe the overall nature of a new food product (color, texture, flavor, expiry date, etc.), to determine the role of each ingredient and determine how the characteristics of food are affected by different handling and storage conditions. Based on the results of food testing, it will help food manufacturers adjust their production processes and develop optimal products to meet consumer needs.
3. Fields of food testing
Food testing aims to test the quality and safety of food products.
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Testing of the nutrition component |
Testing of veterinary drugs |
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Testing of food additives |
Testing of heavy metal |
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Assessment of the shelf life of food products |
Testing of micro-mineral |
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Food sensory testing |
Testing of microbiological |
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Testing of mycotoxins |
Testing of bacterial toxin |
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Testing of natural toxins |
Testing for viruses |
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Testing of plant protection drugs |
Testing for parasites |
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Testing of allergens |
Assessment of antibiotic resistance of bacteria |
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Testing of genetically modified food |
4. Test objects
Food testing involves all links in the food chain and products related to food:
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Testing of functional foods and health supplements |
Testing of beverage |
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Testing of milk and milk products |
Testing of wine and beer |
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Testing of aquatic products and aquatic products |
Testing of packaging, tools in direct contact with food |
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Testing of meat and meat products |
Testing of food ingredients |
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Test for cereals and cereal products |
Testing of fertilizer |
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Testing of honey and its products |
Testing of feed |
5. Address of prestigious Food Testing
The National Institute for Food Control is the highest level food testing agency, under the Ministry of Health, established under the Prime Minister's Decision No. 376/QD-TTg dated March 23, 2009. covered. The National Institute for Food Control is designated by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to serve as a testing agency for state management. The National Institute for Food Control is an arbitration testing unit in nationwide for food quality and safety.
In addition to performing food testing tasks to serve the state management in accordance with functions and duties, the National Institute for Food Control performs food testing services for customers in need. With the leading food testing capability in Vietnam, a laboratory with modern equipment and a team of experienced staff and experts, the National Institute for Food Control is committed to bringing to customers the best service of food testing with the motto: Honesty, Devotion, Accuracy, Efficiency, Prestige.
Contact for consultant and sending samples
- Headquarters: Center for Scientific and Technical Services - National Institute for Food Control
Address: 65 Pham Than Duat, Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi
Hotline: 085 208 2535
Email: baogia@nifc.gov.vn
- Representative office in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: Tan Cang - Cat Lai Port, Room A102, Gate B Cat Lai Port, Số 1295B Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, Cat Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (+84) 28.37.400.888/ Hotline: (+84) 918.959.678 (Mr. Nghi)
Email: vpsg.nifc@gmail.com
- Representative office in Hai Phong
Address: No 1, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong city
Phone: (+84) 225.8830316 / Hotline: (+84) 983.300.226 (Ms. Thuong)