Food safety and hygiene newsletter July 2025

This is an electronic newsletter updating regulations and laws on food hygiene and safety in domestic and international markets, July 2025 issue.
1. Guidelines on State Inspection Procedures for Food Safety of Plant-Based Exported Products
Starting July 1, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety officially began implementing the administrative procedure for state inspection of food safety for exported plant-based food products, in accordance with Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on June 19, 2025
This Circular provides detailed provisions on the decentralization and delineation of state management authority in the fields of crop production and plant protection. Notably, it delegates specific technical tasks to provincial-level authorities, including: conducting state inspections of food safety for exported plant-based food products; reissuing professional practice cards for handling quarantine-regulated objects; certifying the content of advertisements for plant protection products; and recognizing organizations qualified to conduct trials of plant protection product.
Inspection Procedure:
According to Article 24 of the Circular No.12/2025/TT-BNNMT , the inspection procedure follows an administrative process, culminating in the issuance of a Notification of Inspection Results using Form No. 41, Appendix I. This document serves as official confirmation that the product has undergone food safety inspection prior to export.
The use of standardized forms ensures legal consistency and transparency in dossier processing. However, this notification is currently intended for domestic regulatory purposes and does not substitute for certificates required by importing countries, particularly those formatted according to European Union (EU) standards.
Implementation Realities: Emerging Demand for International Certification
During the initial phase of implementation, the Department of Food Safety received feedback from several exporters regarding the lack of certification documents compatible with EU market requirements. This issue, while not addressed within the scope of the current Circular, has emerged from practical export demands.
To address this, the Department submitted two official dispatches to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment requesting guidance on the procedure for issuing EU-format certificates:
- Official Dispatch No. 14/SATTP-QLHN dated July 7, 2025
- Official Dispatch No. 102/SATTP-QLHN dated July 14, 2025
Continued Implementation Under Existing Regulations
While awaiting further instructions from the Ministry, the Department continues to process inspection requests and issue notifications in accordance with Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT. This ensures continuity in export operations and provides a legal basis for shipments of plant-based food products.
Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT has established a clear legal framework for decentralized state inspection of food safety for exported plant-based products. However, to fully meet the technical requirements of international markets—especially those with specific certification standards such as the EU—additional guidance from central authorities regarding certificate issuance procedures remains necessary.
Completing this procedural linkage will enhance policy effectiveness and support exporters in complying with the technical specifications of importing countries.
Source: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety
Link: http://sattp.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/ArticleDetail.aspx?NewsID=7530
Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT: https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2025/6/12-bnnmt.pdf
On July 2, 2025, the Ministry of Health issued an Official Dispatch No. 4223/BYT-ATTP announcing the conclusion regarding the draft Decree amending and supplementing Decree No. 15/2018/NĐ-CP, with the following key contents:
1. Strengthening Post-Market Surveillance and Product Quality Monitoring
- Agencies receiving self-declaration dossiers must develop post-market inspection plans.
- If violations are detected, product sampling and quality/safety monitoring will be conducted for products circulating on the market.
- Responsibilities of dossier-receiving agencies are clearly defined.
2. Administrative Procedure Reform
- Adjust the translation of foreign language documents.
- Acceptance of electronic versions of legal documents issued by competent foreign authorities.
3. Additional Regulations on Food Advertising
- Stricter control over advertising content, especially for health protection foods.
- Scientific evidence must be clear and transparent.
4. Enhanced Intersectoral Coordination
- The Ministry of Health will coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to develop the Decree under a simplified procedure.
- International management practices will be referenced, including those from the U.S., Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and China.
Specific Changes to Self-Declaration:
|
Current Regulation |
Draft 08 (June 29, 2025) |
Scope |
Processed packaged foods, food additives, processing aids, food containers, packaging materials in direct contact with food |
Adds micronutrients to the scope
|
Registration form |
||
Self-Declaration form |
Not specified |
Adds section for declaring product quality criteria |
Authorization letter |
Not specified |
Specifies authorization letter from the manufacturer |
Translation requirements |
All foreign-language documents must be translated and notarized |
a) English documents may be translated into Vietnamese by the organization/individual, who is responsible for accuracy; b) Non-English documents must be translated into Vietnamese and certified; if not possible, they must be translated into English and certified in the country of origin/export, then translated into Vietnamese with responsibility for accuracy; c) If product labels are multilingual but do not include English, only the language of the country of origin/export must be translated |
Testing criteria |
Safety criteria only |
Includes both quality criteria and safety criteria |
Test result certificate |
Must be appropriate |
Pass or fail |
Deadline for posting self-declaration documents |
Not specified |
10–21 days |
As the draft Decree amends more than half of the articles in Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP, it will be issued as a replacement Decree, based on the contents of the current draft.
Reference Documents:
Link to detailed Official Dispatch No. 4223/BYT-ATTP:
https://vfa.gov.vn/upload/files/CV4223%20TB%20doanh%20nghiep%20ND15%20sdbs%2001_7_2025_signed.pdf
Link to Draft Decree 15/2018/ND-CP 8th edition in detail:
https://vfa.gov.vn/upload/files/2_%20Du%20thao%208%20ngay%2029_6_2025-18h20-TB%20DN.pdf
3. Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Issues Food Safety Control Protocol for Exported Fresh Durian
On August 4, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Decision No. 3015/QĐ-BNNMT on the “Protocol for Food Safety Control of Exported Fresh Durian”, which takes effect from the date of issuance. This protocol aims to systematize food safety (FS) requirements for fresh durian throughout the entire production and export process, including registration, assessment, and certification of food safety for export consignments.
- Scope and Applicable Entities
Scope: Applies to food safety control activities for fresh durian throughout the production chain, including cultivation, harvesting, transportation, storage, packaging, and export.
Applicable Entities:
- Production facilities: Organizations and individuals involved in the fresh durian production and export chain, including commercial traders (without processing or packaging activities) listed as the exporter.
- Regulatory authorities: Responsible for managing FS conditions, conducting assessments, and certifying FS for export consignments.
- Testing laboratories: Conduct analysis and testing of fresh durian for FS certification purposes.
- Specific Requirements by Stage
- Growing Areas and Cultivation Facilities
- General conditions: Must comply with FS conditions under Clause 1, Article 23 of the Law on Food Safety.
- Traceability: Must comply with traceability and unsafe product recall requirements under Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BNNPTNT.
- Certification: Cultivation facilities may be assessed and certified for FS compliance or inspected no more than once per year if they hold international certifications such as GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, GAP, or have signed a commitment to safe food production.
- Code assignment: Growing areas must be inspected, monitored, and assigned codes in accordance with regulations by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
- Storage and Transportation to Packaging Facilities
- Standards: Must meet FS requirements under Articles 20 and 21 of the Law on Food Safety and traceability requirements under Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BNNPTNT.
- Responsibility: Packaging facilities are responsible for inspecting and monitoring this process to ensure compliance.
- Packaging Facilities
- General conditions: Must comply with FS requirements under Article 19 of the Law on Food Safety.
- Traceability: Must comply with traceability and unsafe product recall requirements under Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BNNPTNT.
- Certification and Code: Must be assessed, certified for FS compliance, and assigned codes as per regulations.
- Commercial Traders
- Conditions: Must be registered for food business activities.
- Traceability: Must implement traceability, recall, and handling of unsafe products in accordance with the Law on Food Safety and Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BNNPTNT.
- Product Standards and Inspection Procedures
- Exported Fresh Durian Products
- Origin: Must be sourced from coded growing areas and cultivation facilities recognized by the importing country.
- Labeling: Product labels must comply with Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP, Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP, and relevant regulations of the importing market.
- Safety criteria: Must meet heavy metal residue limits under QCVN 8-2:2011/BYT and pesticide residue limits under Circular No. 50/2016/TT-BYT, as well as the importing country’s specific requirements.
- Inspection and FS Certification Procedures Depending on the importing market’s requirements:
- If certification by Vietnamese authorities is required: Exporters must submit dossiers to the provincial-level agency designated by the People’s Committee for inspection and certification.
- If certification is not required but compliance is: Exporters must register and certify according to the importing country’s standards.
- If no specific requirement exists: Exporters follow the importer’s requirements (if any).
- Responsibilities of Regulatory Authorities
- Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development: Provides guidance, training, and updates on importing market requirements.
- Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection: Guides, trains, and directs FS monitoring plans, develops growing area maps, and publishes recognized growing area lists.
- Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment: Develop sampling plans, train inspectors, and periodically report newly recognized growing areas and packaging facilities.
- Attached Appendices
- Appendix 1: List of FS regulations and standards from key importing markets such as China (GB 14881-2013, GB 2762-2022) and the EU (Regulation (EC) 178/2002, Regulation (EC) 396/2005).
- Appendix 2: Detailed sampling guidelines for fresh durian export consignments, based on national standards such as TCVN 9017:2011, TCVN 5102:1990, and TCVN 10739:2015.
This protocol not only strengthens regulatory oversight but also demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to building a sustainable agricultural export sector. It provides a legal foundation for Vietnamese enterprises to enhance competitiveness, build a reputable durian brand in international markets, and expand export opportunities. The protocol serves as a guiding framework for all stakeholders—from farmers to exporters—to collaborate in ensuring quality and safety, thereby elevating Vietnamese durian on the global agricultural map.
4. Draft Decree on the Management of Halal Product and Service Quality
In response to the growing global demand for Halal products and services—particularly from Islamic countries—the Government of Vietnam has developed a Draft Decree on the management of Halal product and service quality. This document aims to establish a unified, transparent, and internationally aligned legal framework that facilitates Vietnamese enterprises’ access to the global Halal market.
Key Provisions of the Draft
- Scope and Applicable Entities:
- Organizations and individuals engaged in the production and trading of Halal products and services in Vietnam.
- Halal testing and certification bodies.
- Relevant government regulatory authorities.
- Definitions of Halal Terminology:
The Draft Decree clearly defines the following concepts: Halal (permissible under Islamic law), Haram (prohibited), Najis (impure substances), Halal Certification (confirmation that a product/service complies with Islamic law), Halal Mark (a symbol identifying a product that has been certified), and Halal Cross-Contamination (unintended contact with Haram/Najis elements).
- Principles of Halal Quality Management:
- Full compliance with Vietnamese law and international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory.
- Consistency, transparency, and non-discrimination in Halal management and certification activities.
- Harmonization with international standards such as those issued by OIC, SMIIC, and Codex Alimentarius.
- Protection of Muslim consumers and legitimate Halal businesses from fraud and misrepresentation.
- Risk-based management focusing on high-risk elements affecting Halal integrity.
- Assurance of traceability throughout the entire Halal supply chain.
- Halal Standards and Declaration of Conformity:
- Adoption of national (TCVN), international, regional, or foreign Halal standards.
- Enterprises must declare applicable standards prior to market release.
- Declaration dossiers must be complete, accurate, and accessible.
- Standards must not conflict with Vietnamese law or Islamic principles.
- Requirements for Halal Products and Services:
For Halal Products:
- Ingredients and additives must be Halal, free from Haram or Najis substances. Animal-derived materials must be sourced and slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
- Production processes must be hygienic and prevent cross-contamination.
- Packaging, storage, transportation, and display must preserve Halal integrity and avoid direct contact with Haram/Najis materials.
- Product labeling must be truthful, clear, and comply with labeling laws and Halal mark regulations.
- Pre-packaged goods must comply with measurement regulations.
For Halal Services:
- Facilities, processes, and personnel must adhere to Halal principles.
- Internal control systems are encouraged to maintain ongoing compliance.
- Halal Labeling and Traceability:
- Each Halal product must display the phrase “HALAL PRODUCT” or “HALAL” in uppercase Latin script, in a visible and indelible location.
- Font size and color must contrast with the label background for easy recognition.
- Labels must include:
- Name and address of the manufacturer.
- Name and logo of the Halal certification body.
- Halal certificate number.
- Country of origin.
- Misleading or false labeling is strictly prohibited.
- Non-Halal products that may be mistaken for Halal must be labeled “NOT A HALAL PRODUCT” or “NON-HALAL”.
- Packaging and imagery must not contain offensive or culturally insensitive elements.
- Use of QR codes, RFID, blockchain, and other digital tools is encouraged for traceability and integration with the national Halal database.
- Halal Testing and Certification:
- Testing must be conducted by licensed, competent laboratories ensuring objectivity and accuracy.
- Halal certification is voluntary but may be mandatory if required by export markets.
- Certification bodies must employ qualified Muslim experts with formal training and practical experience.
- Halal marks must include the word “HALAL” in Latin and Arabic script, the certifier’s name/logo, and registration number.
- Recognition of Foreign Halal Certifications:
Vietnam will recognize foreign Halal certifications if the certifying body:
- Is licensed to operate in Vietnam.
- Is part of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
- Is accredited by IAF or APAC under ISO/IEC 17065. Importers must provide proof of valid Halal certification upon request.
- Government Support for Halal Sector Development
- International Cooperation:
- Signing MRAs and participating in global Halal forums.
- Trade Promotion:
- Supporting enterprises to attend Halal trade fairs and exhibitions.
- Promoting Halal products under the Vietnam National Brand Program.
- Financial Support:
- Preferential credit and funding for initial Halal certification costs.
- Development of a national Halal database.
- Human Resource Development:
- Establishing Halal-related academic programs.
- Organizing training for businesses, experts, and regulators.
- Responsibilities of Ministries and Local Authorities:
- Ministry of Science and Technology: Oversees standards, certification, and the Halal database.
- Ministry of Industry and Trade: Leads trade promotion and market surveillance.
- Other Ministries (Health, Agriculture, Construction, Finance, Foreign Affairs, etc.): Coordinate sector-specific Halal management.
- Provincial People’s Committees: Implement, inspect, and promote Halal development locally.
- Effective Date: The Decree will take effect upon official promulgation by the Government.
This Draft Decree represents a strategic move to develop Vietnam’s Halal industry, enabling domestic enterprises to access global Muslim markets while safeguarding consumer rights and enhancing product and service quality.
Full text of the Draft Decree:
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/VNM/25_04842_00_x.pdf
US
Changes pesticide residue limits in or on certain products
In July 2025, the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) added maximum limits for the following pesticides: Acetamiprid, Triclopyr, Cypermethrin, Afidopyropen, Pyroxasulfone in or on certain products, specifically:
1.On July 16, 2025, additional maximum limits for Acetamiprid and Triclopyr in or on certain products.
- MRLs for Acetamiprid were added to Spices, mainly Spice Seeds, Specifically:
Commodity |
MRLs before (mg/kg) |
MRLs After (mg/kg) |
Angelica, seed |
- |
2 |
Fennel, common, seed |
- |
2 |
Fennel flower, seed |
- |
2 |
Sesame, seed |
- |
2 |
Chervil, seed |
- |
2 |
Anise, seed |
- |
2 |
Annatto, seed |
- |
2 |
Caraway, black |
- |
2 |
Celery, seed |
- |
2 |
Coriander, seed |
- |
2 |
Culantro, seed |
- |
2 |
Cumin, seed |
- |
2 |
Dill, seed |
- |
2 |
Fenugreek, seed |
- |
2 |
Grains Of Paradise |
- |
2 |
Lovage, seed |
- |
2 |
Mustard, seed |
- |
2 |
Nutmeg |
- |
2 |
Pepper, black |
- |
2 |
Poppy, seed |
0.01 |
2 |
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-16/to/2025-07-15/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.578
- MRLs for Triclopyr are added to the Group Orange subgroup 10-10A with MRLs is 0.1ppm , including the following products: Calamondin; Citron; Mediterranean mandarin; Orange, sour; Orange, sweet; Satsuma mandarin; Tachibana orange; Tangerine (mandarin); Tangelo; Tangor; Trifoliate orange
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-16/to/2025-07-15/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.417
2. On July 17, 2025, Cypermethrin in Durian products will be added with MRLs : 1 ppm.
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-17/to/2025-07-16/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.418
3. On 23/07/2025, for Afidopyropen in Lettuce Leaf products was added with MRLs: 7 ppm.
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-23/to/2025-07-22/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.700
4. On 29/07/2025, the maximum limit of Pyroxasulfone in group product:
- The group Fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F with MRLs of 0.07ppm, including product: Amur river grape; gooseberry; grape; kiwifruit, hardy; Maypop; schisandra berry
- The group Nut, tree, group 14-12 with MRLs: 0.07ppm, including product : African nut-tree; Almond; Beechnut; Brazil nut; Brazilian pine; Bunya; Bur oak; Butternut; Cajou nut; Candlenut; Cashew; Chestnut; Chinquapin; Coconut; Coquito nut; Dika nut; Ginkgo; Guiana chestnut; Hazelnut; Heartnut; Hickory nu; Japanese horse-chestnut; Macadamia nut; Mongongo nut; Monkey-pot; Monkey puzzle nut; Okari nut; Pachira nut; Peach palm nut; Pecan; Pequi; Pili nuts; Pine nuts; Pistachio; Sapucaia nut; Tropical almond; Walnut, black; Walnut, English; Yellowhorn
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-29/to/2025-07-28/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.659
EU
In Q2 2025, the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) issued 1237 recall notifications, including 1143 related to food, 34 concerning food contact materials, and the remainder involving animal feed. Compared to Q1, the number of alerts saw a slight increase, but the overall risk trend remained unchanged: plant-based foods continued to account for the highest number of alerts.
According to statistics, fruits and vegetables remained the most frequently flagged category with 214 cases, followed by nuts and nut products with 176 alerts, and herbs and spices with 104 alerts. Other notable categories included poultry meat (101) and cereals and bakery products (98). The main hazards reported included pesticide residues, natural toxins, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms, undeclared allergens, foreign bodies, unauthorized additives, antibiotic residues, and the use of ingredients not approved by the EU.
The hazard chart shows chemical contamination as the leading cause with 371 alerts, followed by microbiological hazards with 270 cases, and pesticide residues with 203 alerts.
Details of the reported hazards:
1. Contaminants:
- This continued to be the most reported hazard group, with approximately 371 cases recorded. Nuts and nut products were the most affected, especially dried varieties such as pistachios, flaxseed, and sesame.
- Common contaminants included aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, cadmium, lead, cyanide, and mineral oils (MOSH/MOAH). These substances were mainly found in dried nuts, dried fruits, spices, herbal teas, and vegetable oils.
- Alerts related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids continued to appear in spices and herbal teas, indicating that risks from natural toxins remain insufficiently controlled.
- Substances such as glycidyl esters, 3-MCPD, and benzo(a)pyrene were reported more frequently than in Q1, especially in vegetable oils and processed foods.
- Erucic acid residues in mustard seeds from Russia continued to be flagged in Q2, although the number of cases declined compared to the previous quarter, suggesting initial improvements in raw material control.
2. Microbiological hazards:
- Q2 2025 recorded 270 alerts, confirming that microbiological hazards remain the second most common risk after chemical contamination.
- Salmonella accounted for a high proportion of alerts, with various strains such as Enteritidis, Infantis, Newport, Typhimurium, and Senftenberg found not only in poultry meat but also in spices and dietary supplements.
- Listeria monocytogenes ranked second, detected in salmon, cheese, cold cuts, and ready-to-eat vegetables, reflecting ongoing risks of cross-contamination in chilled production environments.
- Other microorganisms such as STEC (toxin-producing E. coli), Vibrio spp., Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus cereus, and Norovirus were also reported, particularly in seafood, fresh produce, and mixed foods.
- Poland remained the hotspot with the highest number of alerts, followed by Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Türkiye.
- Pathogenic microorganisms were found not only in animal-based products but also in plant-based and mixed foods, indicating cross-contamination risks and insufficient hygiene control throughout the production chain.
3. Pesticide residues:
- Banned substances in the EU such as chlorpyrifos, acephate, methamidophos, carbendazim, permethrin, hexaconazole, and picoxystrobin continued to be frequently detected in vegetables, tea, spices, and cereal products.
- Notably, Q2 still recorded the presence of ethylene oxide (7 cases) in spice products imported from India, Georgia, and the UK.
- The high number of alerts related to pesticide residues suggests that source-level inspections remain insufficient, especially for products from Asian and South American countries.
4. Allergens:
- The most affected category was cereals and bakery products.
- Alerts were mainly due to missing declarations on labels for substances such as milk, gluten, sesame, eggs, soy, and celery.
- This is a common but avoidable issue if businesses thoroughly review labeling procedures and allergen control during production.
- Some alerts involved undeclared sulfur dioxide, particularly in pickled products and dried fruits. According to EU regulations, if sulphite levels exceed 10 mg/kg, it must be declared as an allergen on the label.
5. Food additives:
- A total of 29 alerts related to food additives were recorded in Q2, mainly due to the use of unauthorized additives or exceeding permitted levels.
- The most frequently flagged substances included benzoic acid (E210), sorbic acid (E200), and titanium dioxide (E171).
- Countries with frequent violations included Thailand, the United States, Bangladesh, and Türkiye.
- Affected products were diverse, but mainly included mixed foods, cereals, confectionery, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Common issues included the use of banned additives, exceeding limits, and missing declarations on labels.
6. Antibiotics:
- Nitrofuran (AOZ), metronidazole, and Leucomalachite green continued to be detected in seafood, mainly from India and Ukraine. These substances are banned in the EU due to toxicity concerns.
- However, only 5 alerts were recorded this quarter, indicating a low frequency of violations, though continued monitoring is necessary.
7. Novel foods:
- The most affected category was dietary supplements and functional foods.
- Several ingredients not approved by the EU were detected, including CBD, zeolite, fly agaric, berberine, and Griffonia simplicifolia.
- Businesses should verify the EU’s approved novel food list before developing new products.
8. Foreign bodies:
Multiple cases of metal, plastic, glass, and wood fragments were found in products such as yogurt, confectionery, salads, and canned foods.
These physical hazards are often overlooked during final inspections before export.
Other hazards: 187 alerts
- The most affected category was dietary supplements and functional foods.
- Common issues included mislabeling, incorrect batch information, lack of traceability, use of unverified ingredients, and import regulation violations.
- This diverse group of alerts reflects systemic challenges in quality management and product documentation.
10. Food recall alerts involving products from Vietnam
Product |
Hazard |
Frequency |
Frozen frog legs |
Nitrofuran (metabolite) furazolidone (AOZ) prohibited substance |
1 |
Cinnamon |
Lead (high content) |
2 |
Pink pomelo |
Fenobucarb, profenofos unauthorised substance |
1 |
Pitahaya |
Permethrin unauthorised substance |
1 |
Dragon fruits |
Dithiocarbamate |
1 |
Ground ginger |
Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin total |
1 |
Frozen shrimp |
Sulphite undeclared |
1 |
Recurrence of hazards in the alert data from Q1 to Q2 reflects that quality control at the source has not yet been implemented consistently or effectively.
In particular, for products originating from Vietnam, although the number of alerts is not high, the nature of the hazards—such as nitrofuran, lead, and unauthorized pesticides—indicates increasing pressure to comply with EU standards.
To minimize risks and maintain access to the EU market, exporters should focus on the following:
- Establishing source-level inspection procedures, especially for high-risk groups such as pesticide residues, microbiological hazards, and additives.
- Reviewing labeling practices to ensure complete and accurate information on allergens and product composition.
- Verifying packaging and food contact materials in accordance with EU regulations.
- Strengthening traceability systems to improve supply chain transparency and facilitate incident response.
Compliance with technical requirements not only helps reduce recall alerts but is also essential for building credibility and long-term competitiveness in the export market.
US
Changes pesticide residue limits in or on certain products
In July 2025, the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) added maximum limits for the following pesticides: Acetamiprid, Triclopyr, Cypermethrin, Afidopyropen, Pyroxasulfone in or on certain products, specifically:
1. On July 16, 2025, additional maximum limits for Acetamiprid and Triclopyr in or on certain products.
- MRLs for Acetamiprid were added to Spices, mainly Spice Seeds, Specifically:
Commodity |
MRLs before (mg/kg) |
MRLs After (mg/kg) |
Angelica, seed |
- |
2 |
Fennel, common, seed |
- |
2 |
Fennel flower, seed |
- |
2 |
Sesame, seed |
- |
2 |
Chervil, seed |
- |
2 |
Anise, seed |
- |
2 |
Annatto, seed |
- |
2 |
Caraway, black |
- |
2 |
Celery, seed |
- |
2 |
Coriander, seed |
- |
2 |
Culantro, seed |
- |
2 |
Cumin, seed |
- |
2 |
Dill, seed |
- |
2 |
Fenugreek, seed |
- |
2 |
Grains Of Paradise |
- |
2 |
Lovage, seed |
- |
2 |
Mustard, seed |
- |
2 |
Nutmeg |
- |
2 |
Pepper, black |
- |
2 |
Poppy, seed |
0.01 |
2 |
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-16/to/2025-07-15/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.578
- MRLs for Triclopyr are added to the Group Orange subgroup 10-10A with MRLs is 0.1ppm , including the following products: Calamondin; Citron; Mediterranean mandarin; Orange, sour; Orange, sweet; Satsuma mandarin; Tachibana orange; Tangerine (mandarin); Tangelo; Tangor; Trifoliate orange
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-16/to/2025-07-15/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.417
2. On July 17, 2025, Cypermethrin in Durian products will be added with MRLs : 1 ppm.
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-17/to/2025-07-16/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.418
3. On 23/07/2025, for Afidopyropen in Lettuce Leaf products was added with MRLs: 7 ppm.
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-23/to/2025-07-22/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.700
4. On 29/07/2025, the maximum limit of Pyroxasulfone in group product:
- The group Fruit, small, vine climbing, except fuzzy kiwifruit, subgroup 13-07F with MRLs of 0.07ppm, including product: Amur river grape; gooseberry; grape; kiwifruit, hardy; Maypop; schisandra berry
- The group Nut, tree, group 14-12 with MRLs: 0.07ppm, including product : African nut-tree; Almond; Beechnut; Brazil nut; Brazilian pine; Bunya; Bur oak; Butternut; Cajou nut; Candlenut; Cashew; Chestnut; Chinquapin; Coconut; Coquito nut; Dika nut; Ginkgo; Guiana chestnut; Hazelnut; Heartnut; Hickory nu; Japanese horse-chestnut; Macadamia nut; Mongongo nut; Monkey-pot; Monkey puzzle nut; Okari nut; Pachira nut; Peach palm nut; Pecan; Pequi; Pili nuts; Pine nuts; Pistachio; Sapucaia nut; Tropical almond; Walnut, black; Walnut, English; Yellowhorn
For details see attached link: https://www.ecfr.gov/compare/2025-07-29/to/2025-07-28/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-180/subpart-C/section-180.659
This is an electronic newsletter updating regulations and laws on food hygiene and safety in domestic and international markets; Compiled by the Advisory Department of Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang based on government official pages of the countries, published every month. We encourage you to use this as a reference channel for information and exemption from liability related to making business decisions at your company or other similar activities. For detailed inquiries, please contact:
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