- Folder Internal News
- Views 28
- Last Updated 20/10/2026
On October 14, 2026, in Hanoi, the National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), under the Ministry of Health, hosted a series of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing and exchange ceremonies with the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA), the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA), and Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech), South Korea.
The event marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration among regulatory authorities, research institutions, and international partners, with a shared commitment to advancing risk-based and science-driven food safety control.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Chu Quoc Thinh, Director General of the Vietnam Food Administration; Ms. Pham Thi Minh Chau, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Health; representatives of CFSA and SeoulTech; NIFC's leader board; and scientists and technical experts from the participating organizations.
Representatives of NIFC and partner organizations at the MoU signing ceremony
Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Hong Hao, Director General of NIFC, emphasized the importance of integrating food testing data, scientific research findings, and international experience to strengthen food safety risk assessment capabilities.
Since the establishment of NIFC's Food Safety Risk Assessment Center in July 2024, NIFC has progressively expanded its technical activities, training programs, and data connectivity. She expressed her expectation that the cooperation agreements would facilitate expert exchanges, knowledge transfer, and collaborative research with practical applications in food safety management.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Hong Hao, Director General of NIFC, delivers remarks at the ceremony.
In his address, Dr. Chu Quoc Thinh, Director General of the VFA, highlighted the need to shift food safety management toward proactive prevention rather than responding only after incidents occur.
He emphasized that risk assessment must be grounded in scientific evidence and reliable data to support the development of technical regulations, food safety monitoring, post-market surveillance, and appropriate risk management measures. He also underscored the importance of improving data interoperability to support food safety risk analysis.
Regarding cooperation between NIFC and CFSA, Dr. Chu Quoc Thinh encouraged both organizations to prioritize knowledge sharing on the identification and assessment of chemical, microbiological, and allergenic hazards; dietary exposure assessment; development of risk assessment databases; implementation of Total Diet Studies (TDS); strengthening laboratory capabilities for post-market surveillance; and cooperation on food standards.
He reaffirmed that the VFA would provide support within its mandate to facilitate the effective implementation of the cooperation outcomes.
Dr. Chu Quoc Thinh, Director General of the VFA, delivers his address at the ceremony
Strengthening Coordination between NIFC and the Vietnam Food Administration
NIFC and VFA signed an MoU on the implementation of food safety risk analysis, establishing a framework for closer integration between regulatory activities and scientific and technical expertise.
The agreement outlines cooperation in sharing and utilizing food safety data, conducting risk assessments, organizing training and communication activities, and implementing relevant international cooperation programs.
This partnership represents a practical step toward strengthening the use of scientific evidence in the formulation and implementation of food safety management measures.
NIFC and VFA sign a MoU on the implementation of food safety risk analysis.
Expanding Cooperation on Risk Assessment with CFSA, China
The MoU between NIFC and CFSA focuses on several priority areas, including risk assessment of chemical, microbiological, and other food safety hazards; surveillance, information sharing, and early warning; research and response to food safety incidents; development and validation of analytical methods; interlaboratory comparisons; TDS; and exchange of expertise on food standards.
Building on this framework, the two organizations aim to enhance expert training, technical exchanges, and joint research activities, thereby strengthening Vietnam's food safety risk assessment capabilities and supporting evidence-based regulatory practices.
NIFC and CFSA sign a MoU on cooperation in food safety.
Advancing Research and Training Cooperation with Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech), South Korea
As part of the event, NIFC and SeoulTech also exchanged a MoU to promote cooperation in food safety research and training.
The partnership focuses on expert exchanges, capacity building in cell-based research, and collaborative activities related to TDS.
This cooperation is expected to expand NIFC's international scientific network and facilitate access to emerging research methods and technologies.
NIFC and SeoulTech exchange their MoU
Translating Cooperation into Practical Outcomes
Following the ceremony, the participating organizations are expected to designate focal points, identify priority areas for cooperation, and develop implementation plans aligned with their respective mandates and responsibilities.
By strengthening connections among regulatory authorities, food testing laboratories, and international research partners, NIFC aims to improve data quality, analytical capabilities, and food safety risk assessment capacity.
These efforts are expected to contribute to more effective food safety surveillance, early warning, and risk-based control, ultimately supporting the protection of public health.
Prepared by: Ta Thi Yen – Department of Science, Training and International Cooperation, NIFC.
