(KPL) The Lao PDR hosted a high-level national meeting to disseminate and advance work on the international food code, known as Codex, from May 20 to 22 in the capital, Vientiane.

The event, chaired by Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Phaivan Keopaseuth and co-chaired by Ms. Kiyong Mi Kim, the FAO Representative to Laos, brought together senior officials from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Forestry, Industry and Commerce, Foreign Affairs, and members of the National Assembly.

Dr. Phaivan highlighted that this was the second national-level Codex meeting organized in Laos by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underscoring the country's growing commitment to food safety and international standardization. The meeting aimed to build awareness among high-level stakeholders, promote effective participation in Codex-related activities, and advance national food safety standards in line with international guidelines.

“As a WTO member, aligning our standards with international ones is not only necessary but strategic,” said Dr. Phaivan. “It strengthens our domestic food industry and positions Laos as a competitive player in global food supply chains.”

He added that Codex standards have become critical benchmarks worldwide—used by consumers seeking safe and high-quality food, by governments shaping public health policy, and by companies engaging in global food trade.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that ensuring food products in Lao markets meet these standards is essential to public health, consumer confidence, and economic growth. “Food safety must be a national priority,” he said, “with minimal health risks and maximum nutritional value for all.”

KPL