Report Police Bust Toxic Banana Blossom Operations in Ho Chi Minh City

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Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have uncovered a disturbing operation involving the use of toxic chemicals to prepare banana blossoms for sale at local markets. This revelation shines a light on the dark underbelly of food processing that exploits banned substances for profit.

 

In a decisive move, the Economic Police Department (PC03) has taken legal action against three facilities located in the Ben Luc residential area of Binh Dong Ward. These establishments were caught using chemicals such as borax and bleaching agents, banned in food processing, to enhance the appearance and longevity of banana blossoms.

 

Officers raided the facilities, finding shredded banana blossoms soaking in 200-litre barrels filled with suspicious, unlabeled solutions. At one site with several employees, police discovered 60 kilograms of blossoms immersed in a concoction of sodium metabisulfite, alum, and borax.

 

An owner admitted the business was unlicensed, lacking a food safety certificate. He purchased around 500 kilograms of banana blossoms daily at 8,000 VND (approximately 12 THB) each. After treating them with the chemicals, he managed to produce 200 kilograms of seemingly fresh product, later sold to wholesale markets at 20,000–30,000 VND (around 30–45 THB) per kilogram. The chemicals were sourced from shops in Cho Lon Ward.

 

Authorities have seized over 115 kilograms of these contaminated blossoms along with several kilograms of various chemicals. This crackdown comes amidst growing concerns over food safety in a country where banana blossoms are a staple ingredient, cherished for their flavour and texture.

 

The use of borax in food is strictly prohibited in Vietnam due to its detrimental health effects, including potential cognitive decline over long-term exposure. Sodium metabisulfite, although permitted in limited uses, can be hazardous in excess, leading to severe health risks such as allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even organ damage.

 

This alarming discovery serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illicit food practices. Despite the regulations, some producers continue to jeopardise public health in pursuit of profit, highlighting the importance of vigilance and enforcement in ensuring food safety for all.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-07-09