4% of Vietnam’s pork contains banned additives

A random sample of Vietnam’s pork detected that 4.4 % contained forbidden lean-meat additives which could lead to cardiovascular complications in humans, revealed Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s department of Animal Husbandry.

Nine laboratories conducted an analysis after inspectors found the harmful substances being used in southern Dong Nai Province. Eight among 179 pork samples were found to be positive for the chemical.

Additional tests were also conducted on animal feed and urine. Of the 268 samples of animal feed collected, 13 were positive for the additives while seven of the 108 urine samples were contaminated.

The Department set up two inspection teams to take an additional 90 samples in 15 northern and coastal provinces and cities. Results showed toxic substances to be present in three samples collected in Hoa Binh, Bac Ninh and Hai Duong provinces.

“The use of banned Beta Agonist substances in livestock farming has decreased and is very close to the regulated level. However, there is still potential for the risks to rise again, especially since their use has resulted in profit for a number of businesses,” said vice head of the department Nguyen Xuan Duong.

Duong added that the department had completed the necessary legal documents to fine 11 farms in southern Dong Nai Province that had been found to violate regulations. At least two farms have already been fined VND25 million (US$1,200) each for their behaviour.

Minister Cao Duc Phat said it was necessary to find the source of harmful substances in Vietnam, especially the persons involved in trading these chemicals.

Phat instructed relevant authorities to continue taking random samples, especially in places where violations had been found to crack down on violators.

He also asked the Animal Health Department to strengthen its inspections of animal feed businesses to ensure the absence of additives in these products. Relevant authorities were asked to complete the legal foundation to get rid of forbidden substances in animal husbandry.