The recall of mung bean sprouts sold at Bach Hoa Xanh, Vietnam’s leading retail chain, took center stage this Thursday due to alarming findings involving contamination with the toxic substance 6-Benzylaminopurine. This synthetic growth hormone, known for its use on plants, has triggered health concerns prompting local authorities to act swiftly against non-compliant producers.
Local police reported on Thursday the bust of six mung bean production facilities located in the city of Buon Ma Thuot, claiming to have found approximately 20 tons of mung beans tainted with 6-Benzylaminopurine, emphasizing the imminent danger posed by the substance. Four individuals have been detained pending investigation as the authorities probe the widespread misuse of this harmful stimulant.
According to police estimates, at least 2,900 tons of mung bean sprouts containing the banned substance have been distributed this year, raising concerns about food safety standards across the region. One significant supplier, Lam Dao Trade, reportedly provided around 350 to 400 kilograms of mung bean sprouts daily to the outlets of Bach Hoa Xanh. The retail chain is operated by Mobile World Group, one of the major electronics retailers, focusing on delivering safe food products to its customers.
Responding to the revelations, Bach Hoa Xanh confirmed on Thursday it's identity of sourcing from Lam Dao Trade, which accounted for 2% of its total supply of bean sprouts. The company initiated the recall process for all products linked to the supplier and underscored its commitment to customer safety by announcing it would re-examine all mung bean sprouts currently offered at its outlets across the region.
Officials from the Plant Protection Department clarified the situation surrounding 6-Benzylaminopurine. While its usage as a plant growth stimulator is permissible, it is strictly prohibited for any food products intended for human consumption. Misuse, such as adding it to edible crops for faster growth, is punishable under food safety laws.
Nguyen Duy Thinh, a respected professor at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, explained the substance's harmful nature, saying, "6-Benzylaminopurine is a stimulant...it is strictly prohibited for use on food or humans, including topical application." He elaborated on the severe health risks it poses, particularly for pregnant women and children. Thinh noted, “When ingested, the substance poses severe health risks, including birth defects in pregnant women and developmental harm to children.”
Health risks include long-term effects such as low birth weights and conditions like hydrocephalus among infants, which could manifest more insidiously than immediate poisoning symptoms like nausea or dizziness. The cumulative effects wrought by 6-Benzylaminopurine can infiltrate reproductive organs, leading to deteriorated health over time.
Authorities have flagged similar operations for misusing the substance to produce “fast-grown” bean sprouts throughout the year. Just last October, two bean sprout facilities located within Quang Ngai Province were also investigated under similar guidelines.
The ramifications of the recall extend beyond the immediate threat to public health, serving as a stern reminder of the urgent need for rigorous compliance with food safety standards. Bach Hoa Xanh has reassured customers of its proactive stance to safeguard product integrity, asserting, "All products sold by the chain have been granted licenses, including food safety certificates, by relevant authorities."
With growing consumer awareness surrounding food safety and quality, the incident elevates the call for stricter scrutiny of production practices within Vietnamese food supply chains. With the recent events surrounding mung bean production, one can only hope for heightened vigilance from producers and authorities to mitigate any potential health risks associated with contaminated food products.
