Vietnam spends more than 1.2 billion USD importing cheap meat

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Vietnam has highlighted concerns regarding the health risks and negative impacts on local agriculture from the massive import of meat and meat products, primarily from India, the US, Russia, Germany, and South Korea. The imported meat, especially pork, is significantly cheaper than domestic meat, leading to its widespread use in budget eateries and street food. However, a recent survey found that a substantial portion of these imports do not meet quality standards, with over 1% testing positive for Salmonella. To address these issues and ensure public health, the Vietnamese government has introduced stricter import controls and regulations, such as Circular 04, which has faced resistance and concerns from countries like the US and Brazil. The Department of Animal Health has defended the compliance of Circular 04 with international laws and emphasized the importance of quality control in exports, ensuring that Vietnam's agricultural products meet international standards.