Among international certification systems for food safety, the Clean Label Project (CLP), known as the "American Pure" standard, is gaining recognition from businesses and consumers due to its stringent criteria.

Vinamilk applies international standard processes to its products. Photo: Duy Cuong

A primary concern for many parents is the prevalence of unsafe and contaminated food. According to a 2024 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), an estimated 600 million people—nearly one-tenth of the world's population—suffer from food poisoning annually, leading to 420,000 deaths from unsafe food. Children under 5 years old bear 40% of the disease burden caused by food, with 125,000 deaths each year.

WHO also warns that consuming unsanitary food can lead to various health consequences, ranging from food poisoning and gastrointestinal infectious diseases to the accumulation of heavy metals and endocrine disruption from chemical residues, hormones, or residual antibiotics. Therefore, selecting safe food for their children is a major concern for many parents.

Kim Phuong from TP HCM shared her frustration, stating that despite carefully reading labels, researching ingredients, and comparing every detail when buying products, dangerous toxins often remain undisclosed on packaging. Her worry reflects a common sentiment among parents when choosing food in general, and especially for their children.

A report by the CLP organization on 10/8/2020, which examined over 530 baby food samples in the US, revealed the presence of numerous heavy metals. Notably, 80% of the tested products contained arsenic. The organization also found that over 60% of products labeled "BPA-free" still contained BPA. According to CLP, even seemingly "safe" foods can harbor hidden risks that consumers cannot detect.

CLP is an independent testing organization based in the US that examines "invisible" compounds—parameters not listed on product labels—to provide the most accurate results regarding the safety of food, particularly for young children. Beyond heavy metal residues, CLP analyzes the presence of substances such as BPA, BPS, and phthalates, which can affect hormones and the immune system, especially in children. Groups of substances like acrylamide, a potential carcinogen, and parabens, commonly used as preservatives, are also included in CLP's evaluation list.

CLP assesses products based on stringent criteria, including residues of antibiotics, microplastics, heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other harmful chemicals that can impact health. These criteria are even stricter than those set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the detection thresholds of chemical groups such as BPA, BPS, phthalates (which affect hormones), acrylamide (a potential carcinogen), and parabens (chemical preservatives).

To ensure independence and reliability, CLP collects samples like a regular consumer and conducts tests at internationally accredited laboratories. To achieve CLP certification, each product must pass over 400 rigorous evaluation criteria from CLP, encompassing both product quality, such as controlling residues of heavy metals, microplastics, pesticides, and unwanted impurities, and production conditions, including product testing processes, ingredient declarations, and raw material hazard assessments.

In Vietnam, Vinamilk 100% fresh milk is one of the products that has achieved CLP certification. It is also the only fresh milk brand to receive both the Clean Label Project "American Pure" award and the Superior Taste award, a distinction held from 2022 until 14/3 this year. To meet Superior Taste criteria, a product must achieve over 90% in each of the five international sensory evaluation categories: first impression, visual appeal, smell, taste (flavor), and texture-aftertaste.

Vinamilk 100% fresh milk production line. Photo: Ai Van

One key factor enabling Vinamilk to pass these evaluations is its strict control over raw material input, ensuring closed and safe production processes at its factories and dairy farms. A company representative stated that this achievement results from a sustainable development strategy and continuous investment in building modern, internationally certified farm systems, such as Global G.A.P. For Vinamilk 100% fresh milk, the milk is collected and packaged on the same day to preserve its fresh taste and, more importantly, ensure its safety and purity when it reaches consumers. The product has become a trusted choice for many Vietnamese parents in nurturing their children's growth.

Diep Chi