Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth and Ms Kyung-mee Kim co-chair the Codex workshop in Vientiane. –Photo FAO

Laos strengthens food safety standards with FAO support

Laos is stepping up efforts to improve national food safety standards and strengthen engagement in Codex activities, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) through a high-level advocacy meeting and technical workshop on Codex activities taking place in Vientiane from May 20-22.
Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Department, the three-day workshop is designed to enhance awareness of food safety issues, build the capacity of national Codex members, and encourage closer alignment with global food safety guidelines.
Codex standards, developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, are recognised by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as international reference points for food safety. The workshop addresses the importance of Codex in international trade, public health, and national development.
The event brings together policymakers, technical officers, and representatives from the public and private sectors across agriculture, health, industry, trade, and academia, according to the FAO.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth expressed appreciation for the FAO’s ongoing support, noting the pivotal role it plays in strengthening food safety initiatives in Laos.
“This support has been crucial in building the capacity of Laos’ Codex members. We believe this workshop will lead to increased awareness among high-level officials from relevant sectors who have the political influence to prioritise Codex work and support effective engagement in Codex activities,” he said.
FAO Representative to Laos, Kyung-mee Kim, emphasised the importance of multisectoral collaboration in improving food safety and public health outcomes.
“We are honoured to be joined by high-level decision-makers and technical officers from across sectors—agriculture, health, industry, trade, academia, and the private sector—demonstrating a shared commitment to safeguarding consumer health and promoting fair practices in the food trade,” she said.
The workshop agenda includes in-depth discussions on the significance of Codex, progress and ongoing challenges in Codex participation preparation for Laos, and strategies to enhance stakeholders’ cooperation.
The initiative is part of Laos’ broader efforts to ensure safer food systems and facilitate smoother access to international markets.

By Sengchalean Phommakhan
 (Latest Update May 22, 2025)