The application of Global Standard One (GS1) number and bar coding is significant to getting to grips with food traceability and safety, said Nguyen Hoang Linh, Deputy Head of the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

He made the statement at a meeting of ASEAN GS1 barcode organisations’ leaders in Ho Chi Minh City on August 24.  The event was attended by representatives from GS1 international, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

As the largest food market in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is working to tackle unhygienic food, he said, adding that the city is tightening management to assure public health and benefits of legal food traders and producers.

At the event, participants discussed applying GS1 standards in various sectors, particularly food traceability. They said that the move helps protect the rights of consumers and producers, while aiding exports to developed countries.

GS1 Vietnam is a representative organisation of GS1, and deploys the GS1 system in Vietnam. GS1 Vietnam helps manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers apply barcode technology in their production and business activities.