Takeo provincial authorities took decisive action on August 27 by setting fire to 8,812kg of adulterated and banned seafood and frozen meat.

The goods, found improperly packaged and emitting a foul stench were seized on August 26 in the Tram Kak district. This operation was a collaborative effort between the General Directorate of Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud (CCF) under the Ministry of Commerce and Takeo’s branch of the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).

CCF Director-General Phan Oun disclosed on August 28 that the tainted products had been imported without the requisite certificates from the exporting countries’ competent authorities. The goods were confiscated by officials from Customs Risk Management and Audit at the Vietnam border, in conjunction with the research and contraband suppression office in Tram Kak.

“The two institutions consistently work together to prevent the circulation of unsafe and non-compliant products, prioritising consumer interests and well-being,” said Oun.

Hou Kroeun, deputy country director of Helen Keller International in Cambodia, lent support to this initiative, emphasising the necessity of ensuring the safety and scrutiny of food items before distribution. He further encouraged the extension of inspections to encompass other markets and regions.

Kroeun urged food safety authorities to work diligently nationwide to combat the pervasive sale of unsafe food.

“If feasible, consider deploying machines to detect health-affecting chemicals or substances,” he said.