The European Union (EU) has recently issued warnings regarding several Vietnamese food export products found to be in violation of EU food safety regulations, resulting in product recalls from the European market.
According to an official notice from the Vietnam SPS Office (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) sent to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and key industry associations — including the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association, Vietnam Beer–Alcohol–Beverage Association, Vietnam Traditional Fish Sauce Association, and Vietnam Cashew Association — several Vietnamese products were flagged by the EU Food and Feed Safety System (RASFF) for regulatory non-compliance.
Main Causes of EU Product Recalls
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The SPS Office reported that recent recalls were primarily due to violations of EU registration, labeling, and ingredient regulations.
1. Failure to Register “Novel Foods”
Many companies exported food products containing ingredients classified as “novel foods” without proper registration in the EU market.
Under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, a “novel food” refers to any food not significantly consumed within the EU before May 15, 1997.
The list of approved novel foods is detailed in Regulation (EU) 2018/1023.
2. Mislabeling and Undeclared Allergens
Some exporters declared ingredients incorrectly, especially allergen-containing components, which can endanger consumer safety.
Labeling requirements for allergenic ingredients are specified in Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011.
3. Unauthorized or Excessive Food Additives
Certain Vietnamese products were found to contain prohibited additives or exceed permitted limits.
The list of approved additives is outlined in Annex II of Regulation (EC) 1333/2008.
4. Lack of Veterinary Quarantine Declaration
A number of mixed food products were exported without fulfilling veterinary quarantine procedures at the port of entry, violating EU import inspection rules.
SPS Vietnam’s Recommendations
To avoid further violations and protect exporters from business risks, the Vietnam SPS Office urges relevant ministries and associations to:
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Disseminate updated EU regulatory requirements to exporters.
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Ensure companies review all EU market compliance rules before shipment.
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Reinforce food traceability, safety management, and product documentation at the source.
EU Tightens Food Safety and Sustainability Standards
Earlier in February, the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden also highlighted that the EU is implementing stricter regulations on food safety and environmental sustainability to reduce ecological impact and ensure consumer protection.
Key measures include:
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Tighter pesticide residue limits (MRLs) under Regulation (EU) 2023/915, including lower cadmium limits for fruits such as berries, citrus, mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
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Mandatory phytosanitary certificates for nearly all fresh produce imports.
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Increased inspection frequency for high-risk products — particularly from countries with histories of excessive chemical residues.
The Trade Office warned that Vietnamese agricultural exports, including chili peppers, beans, and tropical fruits, may fall under high-risk categories, leading to stricter border checks.
Ensuring Sustainable Access to the EU Market
Vietnamese exporters are advised to:
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Strengthen quality control and traceability systems.
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Maintain accurate and transparent documentation for production and testing processes.
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Stay informed of EU regulatory updates on food safety, labeling, and sustainability.
By ensuring compliance, Vietnamese enterprises can avoid costly recalls, protect brand reputation, and sustain long-term export growth in the EU market.