Vietnam urges food safety compliance for Singapore exports

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a stern warning to Vietnamese food exporters about the stringent food safety standards in Singapore.

The call for heightened vigilance comes after the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) detected sibutramine, a banned substance, in coffee products from Malaysia and other countries.

Sibutramine has been prohibited in Singapore since 2010 and can only be used under strict medical supervision. The SFA has advised consumers to avoid products containing this substance.

Cao Xuân Thắng, Vietnamese Trade Counselor to Singapore, emphasised the importance of adhering to Singapore’s rigorous food hygiene and safety regulations to maintain market access.

Vietnam’s exports to Singapore have been thriving, reaching nearly $2.5 billion in the first half of 2024, a 24 per cent increase year-on-year. However, maintaining this growth trajectory hinges on strict adherence to Singapore’s food safety standards.

Attribution: Vietnam News Agency

Subediting: M. S. Salama