The AJFVC Project Team Output 2 (CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. (CTII)) team recently conducted a field study to evaluate pesticide residue laboratories in Vietnam and Lao PDR. Improving the capacity for conducting pesticide residue analysis to strengthen the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures in ASEAN Member States (AMS) is one of the main objectives of the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development (AJFVC) Project. 

During the visit, the team team assessed the laboratories’ capabilities and equipment for testing pesticide residues and evaluated their compliance with regulatory standards. The team visited the Clean Agriculture Standard Center (CASC) and the Plant Protection Center (PPC) under the Department of Agriculture in Lao PDR. In Vietnam, they visited three different institutions, namely the Northern Pesticide Control and Testing Center (NPTC), Reference Testing & Agrifood Quality Consultancy Center (RETAQ), and National Authority for Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality Processing and Market Development Branch 1 (NAFIQPM1). 

The primary objective of the study is to assess pesticide residue laboratories in each country and gather information on the achievements and challenges faced in implementing SPS measures for food crops. This study aims to help AMSs identify hazardous substances to prevent food contamination and trades of unsafe food within ASEAN. The team evaluation will identify areas for improvement and support the adoption of best practices to ensure food safety in the region.