Many Vietnamese Goods Warned by EU for Antibiotic, Pesticide Residues

In the first two months of 2024, Vietnam received 16 warnings from the EU regarding chemical and antibiotic residues in agricultural products, the most among Asian countries. The main violations involved pesticide residues and antibiotics in fruits and vegetables, often due to non-compliance with pre-harvest intervals. Vietnamese seafood also faced frequent warnings for antibiotic residues. This led to the destruction, recall, or special handling of multiple batches of goods. The high number of warnings, a 70% increase compared to 2023, underscores the need for farmers and export companies to strictly adhere to EU regulations on pesticide and antibiotic use, update themselves on new standards, and improve supply chain monitoring. The lack of consistent standards for key agricultural export products further complicates compliance efforts. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan stressed the importance of commitment to product quality for enhancing the prestige and competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the international market.