Mérieux Foundation oversees construction of Laos food safety lab

The Mérieux Foundation has overseen construction of a food safety laboratory, in Vientiane, Lao PDR (Lao People’s Democratic Republic).

The 1,200 m2 facility will serve as the reference center for control of food quality in the country.

The two-story building with 25 laboratory rooms belongs to the Food and Drug Quality Control Center - managed by the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR.

Its objective is to safeguard locals against foodborne diseases by analyzing and certifying the quality of imported, exported and domestic food, as well as ensuring safety across the chain.

Construction was supported through a €1m donation by Mérieux NutriSciences.

Fondation Mérieux was established in 1967 by Docteur Charles Mérieux and is an independent family foundation.

Bounkong Sihavong, minister of Health of Lao PDR, led the inauguration ceremony with guests including Ponmek Dalaloy, former Minister of Health of Lao PDR, Claudine Ledoux, French Ambassador to Lao PDR, Alain Mérieux, chairman of Institut Mérieux and Philippe Sans, president and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences.