Cambodia Seizes and Destroys 28 Tonnes of Illegal Meat

kiripost

Cambodia has destroyed 28 tonnes of low‑quality imported frozen meat in a sweeping crackdown aimed at protecting public health. The operation, carried out across ten locations in 2025, targeted consignments of pork, beef, chicken, duck and offal brought in from China, the EU, South America and neighbouring countries.

Authorities confirmed that the confiscated products were substandard and failed to meet national safety requirements. Among the seizures were 3,720 kilograms of frozen chicken wings and pork feet smuggled from Vietnam. Officials stressed that such goods not only breach Cambodian law but also pose serious risks to consumers.

Kim Meas Sokseyha, Director of the Consumer Protection and Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate‑General (CCF), said the crackdown was part of a wider effort to curb fraudulent imports. “These poor‑quality meats were transported by seven different means and stored in unsuitable conditions,” he explained.

Health experts welcomed the move. Dr Mengly J Quach praised the authorities, warning that expired or poorly handled meat can have long‑term consequences for public health. Nut Sambath of the Royal Academy of Cambodia added that imports are only beneficial if properly transported and stored at the correct temperature.

Cambodia does allow frozen meat imports under trade agreements, but products must be licensed and inspected at the border. Sokseyha emphasised that any ban must be legally justified, underscoring the government’s commitment to balancing trade with consumer safety.

The destruction of the seized goods sends a clear signal to traders that Cambodia is tightening its grip on counterfeit and unsafe food products. It also highlights the growing determination of regulators to reassure the public and international partners that standards are being enforced.

-2026-01-16