NA members want the Law on Food to provide more comprehensive content to ensure food production, consumers
National Assembly members want the Law on Food to provide more comprehensive content so that it promotes food production while also ensuring consumers’ protection and safety. Minister of Health Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit stated that, the law is necessary as it conforms to the current conditions in the country and its integration with regional and international communities.
According to Minister of Health Prof Dr Eksavang Vongvichit when introducing the draft amendment at the NA session, the amendment to the existing law which has been promulgated since 2004, is necessary so that it conforms to the current conditions in the country and its integration with regional and international communities.
The NA made the comment when debating the draft amendment to the Law on Food at the ongoing fifth ordinary NA session that, there are shortcomings in the current law, which does not mention the different components in food safety management procedures such as food inspection, analysis, and certification.
Despite the amendment draft having been introduced and discussed at central and local levels before the NA debate, the NA members saw shortcomings in it. Article 17, which deals with control measures over food safety, should provide concrete requirements for three measures – juristic, hygienic, and technical.
Besides Article 20, which deals with illness from food and stipulates that health authorities must be informed when cases occur concerning such illness in order to respond timely. The NA also emphasized that, as food is a vital factor to health and life, the law pays great attention to it and it is of major concern to NA members.
Source: LNTV Lao News in English
