The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and the Nordic region announced that no Vietnamese rice is named in the list of the grain recently seized by Swedish authorities on suspicion of quality fraud.

The Government News quoted the Vietnam Trade Office as reporting that the Swedish Food Safety Authority, in collaboration with local authorities, on October 28 conducted a large-scale inspection of rice distributors. 

The investigation uncovered significant quality issues, including insect infestation, expired products, and misleading labeling. Over 600 tonnes of rice were inspected, with only five percent meeting quality standards.

However, Vietnamese rice exports to Sweden remain unaffected.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and the Nordic region, clarified that the substandard rice identified primarily consists of Basmati rice, a variety not commonly exported from Vietnam.

Vietnam primarily exports Jasmine and Japonica rice varieties to Sweden. The strong demand for Vietnamese rice, fueled by the EVFTA, has led to a 94% year-on-year increase in exports to Sweden during the first half of 2024.

To maintain this momentum, Vietnamese exporters are advised to prioritize quality and food safety. Establishing strong partnerships and avoiding bulk sales can help ensure consistent product quality and build trust with Swedish consumers.