On the morning of September 19 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) held a scientific workshop on the “National Technical Regulation for Processed Dairy Products,” chaired by Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai.

The event gathered leaders of the MoIT’s departments, representatives of enterprises, industry associations, relevant ministries, experts, and academics to provide feedback on the draft regulation.

According to the organizers, updating the national technical standards for dairy products, especially fluid milk has become urgent to improve food safety, protect consumer rights, and harmonize with international standards while fostering innovation in production.

Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai underscored the importance of revising the technical standards system for the dairy industry. Based on the Food Safety Law, the Law on Product and Goods Quality, and related decrees, the MoIT has already organized three workshops in Hanoi (July 28, August 15, and August 28) to gather broad feedback.

The revisions target the replacement of outdated standards, such as those issued in 2010, which no longer match current practices or global regulations. Discussions have reached consensus on key issues, including: the need to amend QCVN 5-1:2010/BYT; the addition of definitions such as “recombined milk” and “blended milk”; setting a minimum requirement of 90% fresh milk in pasteurized/sterilized milk and skimmed fresh milk products; and adding traceability requirements.

Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai noted that the MoIT has incorporated feedback from earlier consultations and that this workshop is another important step before submission for approval. Other processed dairy products such as powdered milk, fermented milk, and cheese will be addressed with separate standards in the future.

The new regulation will be developed based on principles of transparency, fairness, and balance among consumers, businesses, and society. It will also reference Codex Alimentarius international standards and regional regulations, while remaining practical for Vietnam’s context. The content must be clear, easy to apply, accurately reflect product characteristics, and ensure transparency in production and trade.

Deputy Minister Truong Thanh Hoai called on participants to uphold their sense of responsibility and contribute meaningful feedback to enhance dairy product quality, safeguard consumer rights, and support the future health of Vietnam’s population.