Counsellor Cao Xuan Thang, head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, has provided crucial guidance to Vietnamese exporters regarding labeling practices for pre-packaged food products destined for the Singaporean market.

Importance of Labeling Credibility

Thang emphasized the significance of ensuring the credibility and positive image of Vietnamese businesses through meticulous labeling practices, particularly when exporting to Singapore.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recently issued a recall notice for certain food products originating from Vietnam. This action was prompted by the discovery of undeclared egg, an ingredient known to cause allergies in consumers, in the products.

Affected Products and Companies

The recalled items include Li Chuan’s Seafood Roll (750g), Bibigo’s Mandu Prawn (350g), and Mini Mandu Prawn, imported by Li Chuan Food Products Pte. Ltd and CJ SE Asia Pte. Ltd.

Thang expressed concern that insufficient labeling information could negatively impact the purchasing decisions of Singaporean consumers. This situation is particularly critical for imports from the affected companies and could also affect Vietnamese suppliers at large.

Labeling Requirements

Importers and producers of pre-packaged food products intended for sale in Singapore must adhere to strict labeling regulations. Thang highlighted the necessity of providing comprehensive labels in English, including clear descriptions of the products, all ingredients, and any food additives used.