The implementation of a major project on “food defense” began in 2008, initiated and sponsored by the APEC Subcommittee on Counter-Terrorism through food-related threats. The project is carried out as a pilot program, hosted annually by one APEC member economy (Peru in 2008, Thailand in 2009, and the Philippines in 2011).

At the end of 2010, after selecting from four candidate countries neighboring the Philippines, APEC chose Vietnam as the host for the international workshop “Enhancing Awareness of Food Defense.”

In Vietnam, APEC selected Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry (HUFI) as the venue for this important international workshop.

Các chuyên gia của tổ chức FDA (Hoa Kỳ) tham gia hội thảo

Experts from the U.S. FDA participating in the workshop

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of:

• Ms. Kelly McCormick – International food safety expert, U.S. Department of Agriculture

• Dr. John Bryan – Specialist from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• Professor Ned Mitenius – Consultant on food hygiene and safety

• Distinguished Educator Phạm Khôi – Rector of Huế University of Food Industry

Along with 182 delegates representing training institutions, research and technology transfer units, enterprises, associations, corporations, and organizations related to food management, production, processing, and trading.

Overview of the workshop

“Food defense” is a relatively new concept. Its contents extend beyond traditional “food safety,” yet they remain closely related. The food defense pilot project, supported and led by APEC, is carried out annually in one of the 21 APEC member economies.

The second phase of the project focused on organizing this workshop to raise awareness about food defense among enterprises and organizations involved in food management, production, processing, and distribution.

The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of researchers, educators, and technology transfer professionals regarding food defense作为part of ensuring overall food safety. This helps food manufacturers and businesses recognize the global importance of food defense and adopt coordinated strategies across the food supply chain to prevent intentional contamination or threats to food products.

Participants receiving certificates from the FDA

During the workshop, participants were also introduced to several preventive measures and practical experiences in food defense that have been effectively implemented in other countries in recent years. These insights contribute to strengthening sustainable development in food production and business, ensuring that food in Vietnam can be “protected from threats” in advance.