Customers are busy shopping on the weekend at Co.opmart Huynh Tan Phat, District 7 - Photo: Hong Chau
We have established a strict control process, from raw material sourcing and factory production to product distribution within the system, especially in terms of storage.
Mr. NGUYEN NGOC THANG (Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op )This is the response process of Vietnamese retailer Saigon Co.op in the "Product Quality Control Program in Ho Chi Minh City" which was launched in March 2024.
Goods in circulation must be safe for consumers.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op, believes that the increasing demands of consumers for quality control are forcing retailers to join forces and cooperate to create new standards for food safety in the modern retail market.
He said: Currently, Saigon Co.op is one of eight retail units actively participating in the "Product Quality Control Program in Ho Chi Minh City".
We conducted a pilot control program with three main product groups including fruits, vegetables, and meat, applying to a wide range of products such as Cat Chu mangoes, Sành oranges, green pomelos, white dragon fruit, pork, chicken, and many other vegetables.
Our goal is to ensure that all products circulating in our system meet quality and safety standards for consumers.
* What makes Saigon Co.op's quality control process different from other retailers?
- We have established a strict control process, from raw material sourcing and factory production to product distribution within the system, especially in terms of preservation.
Saigon Co.op not only relies on existing standards but also proactively implements additional internal inspection measures.
Steps such as inspection, testing via mobile laboratories, sensory evaluation, and quarantine are carried out periodically and randomly... This helps us detect any food quality or safety issues promptly.
We also work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the quality of goods before they are made available in our supermarket system.
This demonstrates Saigon Co.op's commitment to providing consumers with safe, high-quality, and reliable products. With the cooperation of farmers and producers, goods placed on supermarket shelves must meet the standards as advertised.
In addition, businesses are proactively upgrading and improving their products to a higher level, in line with consumer trends.
* If a product is found to be substandard, what is the procedure for handling it?
- In the event that a product is found to be substandard, we will immediately cease its distribution within our system.
Simultaneously, this information will be reported to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and other distributors so that they can also conduct inspections and prevent the distribution of similar products. A thorough investigation into the cause will be carried out quickly to determine whether the error is due to a malfunction or a systemic issue.
We always ensure that the process is very quick, within a maximum of 24 hours of detecting the problem. This is to prevent substandard products from continuing to circulate and affecting consumers.
We also coordinate with relevant authorities to inspect the raw material sourcing and production areas, ensuring that any issues are thoroughly addressed if the product violates food safety and hygiene standards.
Customers shopping during peak hours still receive quick payment assistance from Co.opmart staff - Photo: Hong Chau
Contributing to the development of product standards for supermarkets.
* Could you share more about Saigon Co.op's efforts to expand quality control to other product categories?
- That's right, Saigon Co.op is gradually expanding its quality control to other food categories such as dried, frozen, and processed foods. This aims to meet the growing consumer demand for safe and high-quality products.
We have signed agreements with 23 participating suppliers, not limited to fresh produce, but are gradually expanding quality control to other food categories such as dried, frozen, and processed foods.
We believe that with the cooperation of retailers, suppliers, and authorities, a new standard for food safety can be established.
Saigon Co.op and seven other distributors, including SATRA Mart, AEON, MM Mega Market, Central Retail, Bach Hoa Xanh, King Food, and Wincommerce, have jointly committed to taking action towards this goal.
This collaboration will set a new standard for food safety in the modern retail market, providing peace of mind for consumers when shopping at Saigon Co.op's system as well as other modern retail channels.
Currently, modern retail systems account for approximately 30-40% of the retail market share, with this figure being slightly higher in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi .
Specifically for fruits and vegetables, the proportion sold through modern retail channels is quite high. People have developed the habit of buying these items at supermarkets and stores because they feel more confident about their quality.
Therefore, I believe that strict quality control at distribution channels will contribute to raising awareness and standards in the Vietnamese retail industry.
* To achieve this goal, what challenges, in your opinion, is Saigon Co.op currently facing?
Perhaps the biggest challenge is maintaining and improving quality standards in a constantly changing market.
This requires Saigon Co.op to continuously update and apply new inspection technologies, while also coordinating closely with suppliers and relevant authorities.
Another challenge is how to maintain consumer trust and encourage their participation in monitoring product quality.
Saigon Co.op also proactively works with its business partners to encourage them to participate in the program.
Implementing this agreement will take time, but we will work towards accelerating the process and eventually signing agreements with all suppliers. This is a win-win situation for all parties involved.
With its ongoing mission, Saigon Co.op is committed to always being a pioneer in controlling product quality and ensuring food safety for consumers.
We understand that our responsibility is not only to provide products but also to ensure the health and safety of the community.
Saigon Co.op will continue to improve quality standards, expand control programs, and bring the best products to consumers.
General quality standards for products to be sold in supermarket systems include:
1. The product must fully comply with all legal regulations on food safety (no pesticide residues, heavy metals, microorganisms, prohibited substances, etc.).
2. The origin of the product must be truthful and accurate.
3. The product's shelf life must ensure safety and comply with the stated specifications.
Saigon Co.op is gradually asserting its pioneering role in ensuring product quality and food safety in Ho Chi Minh City.
The commitments and efforts of Vietnamese retailers not only meet consumer expectations but also contribute to setting a new standard for the Vietnamese retail industry.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngan-chan-thuc-pham-khong-an-toan-20240924074959329.htm
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