Strengthening residue testing laboratories in Viet Nam

In August 2022, 25 analysts representing 7 laboratories across Viet Nam had their capacity improved through the training programme “Enhancing the quality assurance quality control programme of Residue Testing Laboratories” held by the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) Viet Nam, funded by Switzerland through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Under the training programme from May to August, participants have attended 11 virtual sessions with GQSP international lecturer, covering a variety of topics, ranging from internal quality control to validation of screening methods. The overall programme has provided the analysts with both knowledge and hands-on exercises to apply the methods introduced during the lectures for solving practical, everyday problems to increase the validity and accuracy of testing services provided to agricultural producers, especially in fresh fruit export.

Moreover, key managers and their analysts in two pesticide residue laboratories have been selected as model to receive intense training to increase accuracy. The provided hands-on technical assistance at site helps the labs to improve the performance and apply international set of standards for Vietnamese fruits’ key exporting markets. 

“Most of the topics are relevant to my work. We learned them separately in the university or some workshops, and the lecturer helped us summarize and leverage all knowledge again”  shared Diep Thi Hong Tuoi, analyst from Qualtest 3 Laboratory.

The training is a part of GQSP Viet Nam’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of pesticide testing laboratories network across the country with various models of hands-on training and technical support, improving the accuracy of testing services to boost the export of mangoes and other fruits in the Mekong Delta.