Mr Garrett Young (left) and a representative of the Ministry of Health sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Vientiane on Friday.

Australia, partners boost food and alcohol safety in Laos

Food safety and alcohol surveillance in Laos is set to be strengthened thanks to grant support from the Australian government worth A$1.5 million (US$967,227).
A Memorandum of Understanding on the Strengthening Food Safety and Alcohol Surveillance, Prevention, and Response Project between the Lao Ministry of Health’s Food and Drug Department and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) was signed in Vientiane on Friday.

Director General, Food and Drug Department at the Ministry of Health, Mr  Souksomkhouane Chanthamat.	CHAI Country Director, Mr Garrett Young.

The project aims to address recurring public health challenges by modernising the National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan, upgrading the infrastructure of the National Center of Food and Drug Analysis to enhance laboratory capabilities to detect lethal contaminants, strengthening alcoholic beverage inspection including the provision of rapid methanol test kits to food inspectors, and training healthcare professionals to better treat victims of food and alcohol poisoning.
Deputy Minister of Health Ms Aphone Visathep said “Food and alcoholic beverage safety is an essential part of our nation’s health, economy, and tourism.”
“We are committed to modernising our inspection systems and strengthening our management framework to ensure high standards nationwide. We are pleased to partner with the Australian Government and CHAI to build a safer and more resilient future for every consumer in Laos.”
CHAI Country Director, Mr Garrett Young, added “Building on our long-standing strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health, CHAI is honoured to support this vital work.”
“By equipping laboratories and training frontline inspectors, we are building a proactive system that protects lives and improves public health outcomes across the country.”
Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Ms Benita Sommerville, said “Through this investment, we are equipping the frontline of health security. This means better lab equipment to detect contaminants, clearer response plans for officials, and standardising treatment for food and alcohol poisoning incidents.”
Australia is also partnering with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation to review and update the Law on Alcohol Beverage Control.
Through the Southeast Asia and Australia Government to Government Partnerships programme, Australia is exploring potential opportunities to strengthen the Lao Ministry of Health’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to food and alcohol-related risks.  

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 24, 2026)