Mapping the pork value chain in Vietnam: a systematic review

Abstract

In Vietnam, pork is the most commonly consumed type of meat, and the demand is expected to rise even further. Nevertheless, food safety is a major concern, as the country bears a high burden of food-borne diseases, including these caused by pork products. Knowledge of the flows of pigs and pork from producers up to the consumers is important; however, up to now, a comprehensive overview is lacking. We addressed this by conducting a systematic review on the pork value chain (PVC) mapping for the country. Four international and three Vietnamese databases were searched for data on the pork value chain in Vietnam, and the results were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data obtained from the retained records showed that 10 main PVC types are present in Vietnam, comprising of five main actors including: producers, middlemen, slaughter men, retailers and consumers. Among the identified chains, the one involving producers, slaughter men, retailers and consumers is the most common one, with up to 75% of pork following this route. In cities or export routes to other countries, middlemen and/or traders are important additional actors in the PVCs. The small scale of PVC linkages is prominent. The presence of middlemen, pig traders and pork traders is contributing to further distribution of pork products in geographical terms. Transactions between actors in the traditional PVCs in Vietnam are characterized by the absence of official contracts; therefore, the linkages in the chains are loose and the origin of pork is not traceable. More industrial forms of PVCs are slowly developing; however, the traditional PVCs are still prevailing in Vietnam. The weak linkages between actors and poor hygienic practices in these chains form a risk to pork safety.

Prospective One Health genetic surveillance in Vietnam identifies distinct blaCTX-M-harbouring Escherichia coli in food-chain and human-derived samples

“…However, the small number of poultry and pig farms sampled might not be entirely representative of the diversity of bla CTX-M -Ec harboured in food animals in Vietnam. The origin of slaughtered animals, currently untraceable due to the lack of record systems and the involvement of multiple stakeholders in the food value chain [28], further hampered our efforts to define an epidemiological network. Another potential study limitation was the high proportion of children/infants among the recruited patients: 114/137 were <5 years old and 41/137 were <1 year old.…”

Human Taeniasis and Cysticercosis and Related Factors in Phu Tho Province, Northern Vietnam

“…In conclusion, notwithstanding the improvement of hygienic standards and living conditions in Vietnam in last decades, our study has shown that T. solium transmission still occurs in communities in Phu Tho Province. The consumption of raw pork and vegetables combined with traditional pig husbandry systems, poor meat inspection procedures [ 28 , 29 ], and the common habit of using night soil on agricultural lands [ 8 ] are likely to perpetuate the transmission of tapeworm infections. Health education campaigns are needed in this area to inform the population on those infection risks.…”

Vietnam: Neglected tropical diseases in an emerging and accelerating economy

“…Meat inspection is only carried out at slaughter points that operate at the district level and/or clusters of large villages [ 63 ]. Vietnam’s pork production for traditional and commercial markets have a poor supply chain; therefore, the weak linkages between actors and poor hygienic practices in these chains create risk [ 66 ]. Most slaughterhouse workers seldom go through food safety training [ 66 ].…”

“…Vietnam’s pork production for traditional and commercial markets have a poor supply chain; therefore, the weak linkages between actors and poor hygienic practices in these chains create risk [ 66 ]. Most slaughterhouse workers seldom go through food safety training [ 66 ]. Overall improved sanitation and meat inspection/control are needed to decrease cysticercosis incidence and transmission [ 67 ].…”

“…Overall improved sanitation and meat inspection/control are needed to decrease cysticercosis incidence and transmission [ 67 ]. Education and training on food safety risks and proper handling among pork value chain actors are other necessary priorities [ 66 ]. Echinococcosis is another larval cestode infection, but it is considered rare in Vietnam [ 68 ].…”