Presidential Decree No. 172/PR on the Promulgation of the Law No. 33/NA on Food (Amended).

The Law on Food (Amended) serves as the primary national framework for managing and monitoring food safety and quality throughout the Lao PDR. Promulgated by the President following approval by the National Assembly in July 2013, the Law sets out principles, policies, and institutional responsibilities to protect consumer health, ensure food safety, and promote national development through effective food governance. By standardizing food controls, the state aims to foster a reliable food industry that supports national socio-economic growth and enhances the country's trade competitiveness on the international stage.
This legislation governs the entire "food chain," establishing mandatory technical regulations for primary production, processing, packaging, and distribution. The Law establishes fundamental principles for food control, including risk analysis, hygiene compliance, transparency, consumer protection, and adherence to international agreements. It emphasizes the importance of hygiene standards, nutritional quality, and the prevention of chemical or biological contamination. The Law also mandates clear labeling and honest advertising, ensuring that consumers are protected from misleading information regarding the origin or benefits of food products.
At the enforcement level, the Law defines the roles of the National Food and Drug Committee and other specialized agencies in conducting inspections and laboratory testing. It outlines strict prohibitions against the sale of contaminated, expired, or substandard food. Violators face severe administrative and criminal penalties, including fines, business suspension, or prosecution in cases where non-compliance results in injury, illness, or death to consumers.