An official explains food safety principles to school students. Supplied
The Cambodian government has announced the establishment of the Food Analysis Laboratory Committee, a national mechanism aimed at strengthening the country’s food safety system and ensuring laboratory practices meet international standards.
The newly formed committee, created by a formal government decision, is mandated to oversee the designation, evaluation and promotion of food reference and food analysis laboratories in the Kingdom. The decision was signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, and published on June 12.
It also aims to enhance cooperation and networking among national and international laboratories.
The committee will be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Two vice-chairmen will represent the science and agriculture ministries.
Members will include representatives from the ministries of commerce, health, economy and tourism.
The director-general of the Accreditation of Cambodia will serve as a permanent member.
The appointments of committee members will be approved by the chairman, based on nominations from the respective ministries.
“The committee is tasked with reviewing and approving proposals to designate food laboratories as official or reference laboratories, following expert evaluations,” said the decision.
The committee will also support laboratories in achieving international accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17043 standards, and facilitate participation in the Proficiency Testing Program (PTP).
In addition, the committee is expected to promote the development of skills and exchange of information across laboratories, and to strengthen cooperation at the national, regional and global levels.
“The committee will play a vital role in ensuring that food testing in Cambodia aligns with global best practices, helping protect consumer health and boost confidence in food exports,” the decision noted.
The committee may also invite relevant ministries, development partners or private sector stakeholders for consultations, and may establish specialised working groups and expert panels to fulfil specific tasks.
The General Department of Accreditation of Cambodia, under the science ministry, will serve as the committee’s secretariat. The committee is also authorised to use the official seal of the ministry in performing its duties.
