Australia and the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) are working to improve food safety and export competitiveness for Cambodia.

Today, with the support of Australia’s Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) program, IPC officially launched the collaboration to establish accredited testing (ISO 17025) services – for pesticide residue, antibiotic residue and heavy metals. 

Around 70 per cent of businesses encounter barriers when obtaining quality certificates for agricultural products, in part due to the lack of accredited laboratory testing services in Cambodia. Businesses rely on foreign testing services, which results in increased risk of contamination, delays, high costs and reduced competitiveness. Cambodia’s 2022 Food Safety Law also underscores ensuring food safety throughout the production process, another reason why local, efficient and high-quality testing is needed.

The new testing services, to be provided through IPC’s Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety, will improve product quality and competitiveness in local and international markets, create jobs, enhance food safety and consumer protection and increase market access for Cambodian agricultural products. 

Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip said, ‘Access to efficient in-country laboratory services is key to growth and competitiveness. By investing in these laboratories, Australia is helping Cambodian companies to produce safe, high-quality agri-food products for domestic and international markets in a cost-effective way’.

This collaboration is a significant step in improving Cambodia’s food safety landscape. By establishing accredited state-of-the-art laboratories, Australia and IPC are supporting public health, local businesses – including women-owned businesses – to meet international standards and access new markets. 

André Spiegel, Director of IPC, expressed gratitude for the support, provided through Australia’s CAPRED program.

‘The new laboratory services will enable IPC to provide testing for the Cambodian agri-food sector. This will not only enhance food safety but also contribute to the sustainable development of the country through increased trade opportunities,’ Prof. André Spiegel said.

This support for Cambodia’s agri-food sector is part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to help Cambodia achieve resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.