Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

Vietnamese authorities have uncovered a major food safety violation after raiding two factories in northern Lao Cai Province for using a banned growth hormone in the mass production of bean sprouts. The coordinated raids on May 23 led to the seizure of over three tons of bean sprouts across two facilities, spotlighting the illegal use of benzyl adenine (6-BAP), a hormone prohibited in food production due to its serious health risks.

 

The operators, 56-year-old Luu Van Ve and 55-year-old Ta Van Hai, confessed to saturating their bean sprouts with benzyl adenine. Forensic tests confirmed the chemical's presence, which poses significant health risks if consumed consistently—including potential damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs, and potentially fatal consequences.

 

Ve’s facility, active since May 2024, was a major hub, producing and distributing about 180 tons of chemically-laden bean sprouts each year. Similarly, Hai’s operation produced approximately 168 tons annually, supplying markets and grocery stores across Lao Cai and neighboring areas.

 

The discovery has heightened concerns over food safety practices and the need for rigorous enforcement of food safety regulations in Vietnam. With the widespread distribution of these contaminated bean sprouts, public health officials stress the importance of vigilant monitoring and implementing stricter compliance measures for food producers.

 

Authorities are expected to intensify inspections and impose severe penalties on those violating food safety standards to curb the spread of contaminated products and safeguard public health. The case exemplifies the ongoing challenges in ensuring safe food practices amidst a backdrop of emerging industrial agriculture in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-05-28

 

 

Yes this is a Vietnam topic BUT after reading this , has anyone wondered about those

BIG carrots sold at makro , bigc , lotussss , and other places ?

Usually they are from China , sometimes Vietnam.

 

Growth hormones ??