In the heart of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, a region often dubbed as the country’s rice bowl, is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. Salinity intrusion and drought are forcing farmers to adapt, pushing the region towards a more sustainable food system. But as the old adage goes, “Change is the only constant,” and with change comes new challenges. A recent study published in the *Journal of Agriculture and Food Research* (or *Tạp chí Nghiên cứu Nông nghiệp và Thực phẩm* in Vietnamese) sheds light on the potential food safety hazards that may arise from these adaptations.
Led by Rosa A. Safitri from Wageningen Food Safety Research at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, the study explores three case studies in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). The first case study examines the shift in water usage for agricultural production. As Safitri explains, “Different types of fresh water can result in different hazards.” This is a crucial insight, as the region’s farmers are increasingly turning to alternative water sources due to drought and salinity intrusion.
The second case study delves into the transition from monoculture farming to integrated crop-livestock farming. This shift, aimed at enhancing sustainability and resilience, could potentially alter the food safety landscape. “Hazards in integrated farming would differ from those in separate farming,” Safitri notes, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and management.
The third case study introduces quinoa, a new crop to the region. While quinoa production might result in similar or reduced hazards compared to rice, Safitri emphasizes that “building awareness on quinoa safety as a new commodity is crucial.” This is particularly important given the commercial potential of quinoa, which has gained global popularity as a superfood.
The study’s findings have significant implications for policymakers, stakeholders, and the energy sector. As the food system transitions, so too must the energy sector, which plays a pivotal role in food production, processing, and distribution. The study’s framework for early assessment of food safety hazards can inform these transitions, facilitating joint efforts towards a “safe-by-design” food system.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of proactive risk assessment in the face of climate change. As the world grapples with the impacts of a warming planet, proactive risk assessment can help mitigate potential food safety hazards, ensuring food security and public health.
The research by Safitri and her team is a timely reminder that the transition to a more sustainable food system is not without its challenges. However, with careful planning, proactive risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement, these challenges can be overcome. As the world looks towards a more sustainable future, the insights from this study will be invaluable in shaping the food systems of tomorrow.