1. Name of the Unit: 

Vietnamese Name: Trung tâm Dịch vụ Khoa học Kỹ thuật Dinh dưỡng – Thực phẩm

English Name: Center for Science and Technology Service in Nutrition and Food

2. History of Establishment

The Center for Science and Technology Service in Nutrition and Food is a unit under the National Institute of Nutrition. According to Circular No. 06/BYT-TT dated April 20, 1981, which provides guidance for implementing Decision No. 181/CP dated June 13, 1980 of the Council of Ministers on the establishment of the National Institute of Nutrition under the Ministry of Health, in the section “Organizational Structure and Staffing,” it states: The Department of Organization and Dietary Techniques (including the Pilot Plant) was an integral unit established concurrently with the founding of the Institute.

From 1981 to 1996:

The Pilot Plant primarily engaged in the production and business of pepsin, frog protein powder, nutritional powders, with an annual revenue of only VND 100–200 million.

During 1997–1999:

In addition to manufacturing and business activities, the Plant collaborated with GRET (a French NGO) in research and development of nutritional powder products.

From 2000 to present:

There has been significant investment in equipment, human resources, and research into nutritional products. As a result, many new products with higher quality, more attractive packaging, greater variety, and affordable pricing have been introduced. Consequently, annual production value and revenue have increased to VND 4–6 billion.

To operate more effectively in the field of child malnutrition prevention, on March 25, 2004, the Director of the National Institute of Nutrition issued Decision No. 18/QĐ–TCCB upgrading the Experimental Plant into the Nutrition and Food Center under the Institute.

Immediately upon establishment, the Center prioritized product quality and the development of a quality management system. By 2006, its production facility achieved HACCP Code 2003 certification. To date, the Center has maintained and effectively applied the HACCP system and is currently developing its quality management system in accordance with ISO 22000 standards.

The Center for Nutritional and Food Science and Technology Services (brand name: NINFOOD) is affiliated with the National Institute of Nutrition and was officially established under Decision No. 2931/QĐ-BYT dated July 15, 2015, by the Minister of Health. The Center’s product portfolio has grown to serve various target groups, including:

Micronutrient-fortified products for anemia prevention for pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and adults;

Digestive support products (enhancing protein absorption, promoting digestive health – suitable for picky eaters and individuals with digestive disorders);

Nutritional recovery products (high-energy foods supporting treatment of acute and chronic malnutrition);

Micronutrient supplements (improving nutrition and preventing stunting in young children and school-aged children);

Complementary foods.

3. Functions and Responsibilities

- Provide consultancy, formulation, acquisition, and transfer of nutritional and food processing formulas and technologies to organizations and individuals in need.

- Apply scientific research results in the production and commercialization of nutritional and functional food products in compliance with regulations.

- Offer biochemical testing services and diagnostics related to nutrition using advanced technology.

- Provide quality inspection and food safety services for food products; food additives and processing aids; food packaging materials and containers; and animal feed.

- Deliver training and workshops on nutrition and food safety, as well as technical training in food hygiene inspection, biochemical testing, and diagnostics using advanced technologies.

- Conduct nutritional and food consumption surveys and assessments upon request from individuals and organizations.

- Provide services related to import-export, direct production, and trading of nutritional products, food additives, vitamins, minerals, functional foods, supplements, publications, chemicals, and laboratory equipment – all in accordance with legal regulations.

- Collaborate and form joint ventures with domestic and international companies and organizations to implement research projects and apply scientific findings in practice.

4. Service Orientation (Development Strategy):

The Center for Science and Technology Service in Nutrition and Food is committed to improving the nutritional status and physical well-being of the Vietnamese people. Guided by the principle “Proper nutrition is vital and forms the foundation of good health,” the Center continuously strives to provide the community with the highest-quality nutritional products – leveraging the knowledge, experience, dedication, and sense of responsibility of its research staff.

In the coming period, the Center will continue to build upon the Institute's updated research achievements, and actively cooperate with reputable scientific organizations both domestically and internationally, aiming to develop into a trusted nutritional brand rooted in nutritional and food sciences.