Circular on Traceability of Food-related Products under Management of Ministry of Health.

This Circular prescribes principles and cases of traceability and responsibility to implement traceability with respect to food, micronutrients in food, additives, aromatic spices, processing aids, tools, packaging and container materials that come food processing aids that come into direct contact with food under management of Ministry of Health specified under Annex II attached to Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP dated February 2, 2018 of Government.
The Circular applies to entities involved in the manufacturing and distribution of food products under the Ministry's management. The traceability process follows a one step forward , one step back approach, allowing for the identification of the previous and next manufacturing processes in the supply chain. Key requirements outlined in the circular include the establishment of traceability databases by food related product manufacturing and business establishments. These databases must contain detailed information on product batches, origins, safety measures, ingredients, and packaging materials. Additionally, entities are responsible for maintaining these records for a specified period and promptly tracing potentially unsafe products upon detection or request by authorities. The Circular emphasizes the importance of reporting implementation results to competent authorities and taking necessary actions in case of unsafe products, including recalls and legal compliance. It also mandates the application of traceability databases based on product codes as requested by authorities.