Various items of packaged foods are entering Myanmar through illegal routes, and the government has much difficulty solving the problem, said Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe during the 27th meeting on packaged foodstuffs held in Nay Pyi Taw on November 23.

"Outbreaks of non-communicable diseases increase as people consume their foods without taking notice the levels of fat, saltiness, sugars and other harmful chemicals. The ministry itself is trying to educate public members about healthy foods. If they have public health knowledge , they will avoid unhealthy or unwholesome foods. Cottage industries and large confectionaries across the country are making and distributing foods. Meanwhile, packed foods are entering the country via illegal routes. We have many difficulties and challenges because the food industry is so wide," said the minister.

He said measures were being taken for ensuring quality and safety of packaged foods, adopting ASEAN standards, upgrading laboratories in accord with ASEAN standards, singing mutual recognition agreements and issuing certificates of recognition on clean and safe packaged foods.

The minister also laid out plans for acquiring human resources, laboratories with modern equipment, getting assistance from the Department of Food and Drug Administration and adopting foodstuff policy.