EU and Vietnam Forge Partnership for Antibiotic-Free Poultry Farming

In a significant move to enhance food safety and animal health, the European Union has co-financed the campaign ‘European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Tables’ to coincide with the start of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week from November 18 to 24, 2025. This initiative aims to showcase Vietnam’s advancements in the responsible use of antibiotics in poultry production and to align local practices with European standards.

Vietnam’s Commitment to Antibiotic Regulation

Vietnam has made substantial strides in its poultry farming regulations. In 2018, the Vietnamese government banned the use of antibiotic growth promoters in livestock feed. Following this, a comprehensive roadmap was developed to eliminate the preventive use of antibiotics in livestock production. A full ban is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, although the therapeutic use of antibiotics will still be permitted under veterinary supervision. These measures reflect a mutual commitment between Vietnam and the European Union to uphold high standards in animal health and food safety.

The European Union has established stringent regulations regarding antibiotic usage in food-producing animals. Routine and preventive group use of antibiotics is prohibited, with administration allowed solely under veterinary prescription for medically justified cases. This practice ensures that antibiotics are used judiciously, maintaining the safety and quality of poultry products.

Prioritizing Animal Welfare and Consumer Trust

Aligned with its Farm to Fork strategy, the EU aims to further reduce antimicrobial use while ensuring food safety and traceability. Poultry producers in the EU implement preventive measures including rigorous on-farm biosecurity protocols, tailored vaccination programs, and daily health monitoring of flocks. Emphasis is placed on maintaining high standards in water and feed quality, as well as providing comfortable living conditions for the animals.

By minimizing medication use and relying on veterinary guidance, this approach not only protects animal health but also reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Consumers can trust that EU poultry meat adheres to stringent safety standards and is free from harmful residues, thanks to robust laws governing veterinary medicine usage.

For Vietnamese buyers, this partnership offers a reliable source of poultry that meets both local regulatory standards and international safety criteria. EU poultry shipments are fully traceable and comply with Vietnam’s Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), backed by comprehensive documentation of origin and testing processes.

This stability in supply, consistent quality, and adherence to evolving regulations are particularly advantageous for importers, retail chains, and the hospitality sector (HORECA) in Vietnam. As the regulatory landscape continues to tighten, the collaboration between the EU and Vietnam positions both parties for future success in the poultry market.

For further details on the campaign, visit www.eupoultry.eu. The project is executed by the National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce in Poland, representing the interests of the European poultry sector.