Enhancing communication on food safety: strengthening the connection between researchers, journalists, and communities
On 5–6 December 2024, the Vietnam Agricultural Newspaper, in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), organized two workshops in Hanoi and Nghe An Province. Funded by the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program, the events aimed to enhance communication on food safety, focusing on animal-sourced food value chains. The workshops brought together 50 participants, including journalists, researchers, and food safety experts, to discuss effective communication strategies and collaborative efforts to address food safety challenges in Vietnam.
The workshops highlighted pressing issues in the food system, such as chemical contamination, microbial hazards, and misinformation about food origins, with a particular focus on the pork value chain. Experts shared insights on common risks like Salmonella and E. coli, which are prevalent in traditional food markets, and emphasized that proper handling and thorough cooking can mitigate these risks. ILRI’s Sinh Dang and Trang Le presented successful interventions at slaughterhouses and traditional markets, including improved hygiene protocols, hygiene practices, and community-oriented campaigns to raise public awareness of food safety.
Participants engaged in discussions on risk communication principles, stressing the importance of transparency, timely messaging, and the use of scientific evidence to counter misinformation. Practical solutions were proposed to combat foodborne illnesses, improve consumer trust, and address challenges like counterfeit pesticides and harmful agricultural practices. Journalists were encouraged to collaborate with experts, leverage social media to amplify accurate information, and adopt innovative strategies to engage audiences.
Group discussions explored key topics, including addressing rumors about banned substances in pig farming, managing microbial hazards, and responding to foodborne illnesses. Participants developed targeted communication messages emphasizing consumer awareness, collaboration with regulatory agencies, and community involvement to improve food safety practices. Panel discussions further explored the role of traditional markets, businesses, and media in ensuring food safety, with a focus on transparency, sustainable practices, and public education.
The workshops underscored the vital role of media in shaping public perception and behavior, particularly in addressing food safety concerns. By fostering collaboration among journalists, researchers, and policymakers, the events laid the foundation for improved communication strategies to ensure food safety and nutrition security in Vietnam’s food value chains.
Read some media clippings on the events:
https://nongnghiep.vn/hop-tac-bao-chi--khoa-hoc-tang-cuong-an-toan-thuc-pham-d412034.html
https://nongnghiep.vn/khong-dam-bao-an-toan-thuc-pham-thi-khong-the-ban-san-pham-d412077.html
https://nongnghiep.vn/don-gian-hoa-thong-tin-ve-an-toan-thuc-pham-de-cham-den-nguoi-dan-d412078.html
https://congly.vn/day-manh-truyen-thong-voi-nguy-co-an-toan-thuc-pham-hieu-qua-462358.html
https://nhandan.vn/post-848942.html
https://baodautu.vn/nang-cao-nhan-thuc-va-trach-nhiem-ve-an-toan-thuc-pham-d231766.html
https://nongnghiep.vn/khong-dam-bao-an-toan-thuc-pham-thi-khong-the-ban-san-pham-d412077.html
https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1688453/food-safety-must-begin-with-consumers.html
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