Training Objective: To provide an introductory course in Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRAs), with the expectation that attendees will learn theory and then complete exercises related to hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response assessment and and risk characterization. This training session will focus on microbial hazards. The course includes a review of probabilistic concepts that are required for food safety risk assessment, including Monte Carlo simulation. The course will cover several ways of conducting QRAs, including the use of Microsoft Excel and the FDA-iRISK software platform (www.irisk.foodrisk.org).

Training course materials:

1. DOWNLOAD : Training Exercises Manual – Microbial Hazards – Training provided by: Greg Paoli Risk Sciences International
2. DOWNLOAD: Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment SAFEGRO Project 2024
3. DOWNLOAD: CFIA Risk modelling Examples of food safety Risk assessment

This initiative supports ongoing efforts in Vietnam aiming toward the establishment of a robust risk assessment network, engaging key stakeholders from government agencies, academia, and industry associations. Investing in specialized training programs like this course holds the promise of long-term benefits for public health, consumer confidence, and economic stability.

The course, held at the National Institute for Food Control (NIFC) and delivered by SAFEGRO’s international expert, Mr. Greg Paoli (Risk Science International’s Principal Risk Scientist and CEO), with the participation of risk assessors from various relevant entities under the MARD, MOH and MOIT, covered a range of essential topics, including theoretical principles and practical exercises on hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response relationships, and establishing exposure thresholds and hazard characterization. Emphasis was placed on chemical hazards, including carcinogens, acute and chronic exposure scenarios, and allergens. The training also reviewed essential probability concepts for food safety risk assessment, including Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Throughout the course, participants engaged in hands-on activities in QRA, utilizing tools such as FDA-iRISK software platform www.irisk.foodrisk.org) to analyze food safety risks comprehensively.

Training course materials:

DOWNLOAD:  INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENTFOR FOOD SAFETY

DOWNLOAD:  An Introduction to FDA-iRISK®: a Comparative Risk Assessment Tool

DOWNLOAD:  Training Exercises Manual Training provided by: Greg Paoli Risk Sciences International

Food safety is a major public health concern. Many people do not trust food safety enforcement at informal markets where they buy most of their food. Trade for Vietnam’s commodity exports also suffers due to a lack of compliance with international standards.

SAFEGRO project works with national and municipal governments to modernize food safety capacity among regulators, thousands of smallholder farmers, cooperatives, processors, retailers and consumers along specific meat and vegetables value chains in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh city. SAFEGRO supports Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Industry and Trade jointly.

Food safety is a significant public health concern. Recent research indicates that Vietnamese consumers do not trust food safety practices and enforcement at informal markets where they buy most food. Some Vietnam’s commodity exports also suffers due to a lack of compliance with international standards.

SAFEGRO project works with national and municipal governments to modernise food safety capacity among regulators, thousands of smallholder farmers, cooperatives, processors, retailers and consumers along specific meat and vegetable value chains in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh city. SAFEGRO supports Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Industry and Trade jointly.

The 2015 WHO report  estimates the global burden of FBD and emphasizes that more than 600 million FBD cases and 420,000 deaths may be recorded each year According to a report by Vietnam Food Administration (under MOH) 1,789 outbreaks, 58,949 affected people with 414 deaths were recorded in 2006-2015; 1,441 outbreaks, 40,995 affected people, 240 deaths from food poisoning or FBDs were recorded in 2012-2021. The Ministry of Health reveals that only 45 poisoning cases with 605 affected and 21 deaths were recorded in 2022, but 94 outbreaks with 1,225 hospitalized people and 20 deaths were recorded in the first 9 months of 2023. In Korea, 3,380 outbreaks, 68,475 people affected by food poisoning or FBD were reported in 2013-2023 The concern is that a good NFCS requires an effective FS inspection and control program to prevent and limit food poisoning or FBDs with small numbers of deaths.

The management of food safety and the assurance of safe consumption practices present ongoing and complex challenges. Currently, there is a lack of serious attention toward food safety education, and communication regarding food safety policies remains inadequate.

Addressing these issues necessitates coordinated efforts across sectors, involving collaboration between governmental ministries at both the central and provincial levels, active participation from food production and trading enterprises, and the engagement and support of consumers.

The “Proposed Action Plan for Food Safety Risk Communication in the Period 2024–2026” presents a compelling and strategic roadmap to revolutionize food safety communication in Vietnam. The plan’s strength lies in its comprehensive and integrated approach, addressing the current fragmented landscape and limited resources.

By fostering collaboration, capacity building, and targeted communication strategies, the plan offers a powerful solution to the complex challenges of food safety.

The plan’s emphasis on a unified, inter-ministerial approach is crucial for effective communication. It proposes the establishment of a dedicated agency to coordinate and oversee activities, ensuring consistency and maximizing collaboration.

The plan also recognizes the power of social and behavioral communication, advocating for the use of innovative approaches that leverage digital platforms and social media to reach and engage a wider audience.

The promotion of a positive food safety culture from production to consumers is another key highlight, aiming to instill a proactive and responsible approach to food safety management across all sectors.

The plan’s focus on engaging all value chain actors, from farm to fork, underscores the importance of shared responsibility and collaboration in ensuring food safety.

While the agriculture and food industries have food safety management systems to implement, by prioritizing consumer education and food safety in retail outlets, the plan empowers individuals to make informed choices and adopt safe food handling practices.

The plan’s call for increased investment in food safety risk communication is a testament to its commitment to achieving tangible results. It proposes exploring innovative financing mechanisms to ensure adequate resources for capacity building, communication material development, and technology adoption.

The development and implementation of a national food safety risk communication strategy, coupled with a strengthened legal framework, will provide a solid foundation for effective and transparent communication efforts.

The plan’s comprehensive and integrated approach, coupled with its focus on collaboration, capacity building, and targeted communication, makes it a powerful tool for safeguarding public health, fostering consumer confidence, and supporting sustainable economic development in Vietnam.