Food Safety and Quality in the Mekong
Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam have a combined population of almost 100 million people living in the Lower Mekong Basin. Agriculture plays an important role in the region's economy, and is a crucial source of income and employment for rural men and women. Although food production has increased significantly across the region and food security has improved, ensuring access to sufficient safe and nutritious food remains a challenge. Food-borne diseases remain a leading cause of illness and death, and other food safety problems continue to have a negative impact on public health and economic development.
NZAID is working with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on a food safety and quality improvement project for Cambodia, Lao and Viet Nam. It aims to help these countries produce food products that are safe to eat, thereby improving health and facilitating local and international trade.
The project focuses on improving the regulatory functions and processes of governments and govermental capability in food inspection. Communities and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are also supported by raising awareness of the problem of food-borne disease and high pesticide residues, and to promote more hygienic practices.
Relevant link: FAO Nutrition and Consumer Protection
Relevant link: World Health Organisation
Page Last Reviewed: 4 April, 2007
Document URL: http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/case-studies/trade3.html