On April 19, 2025, the Economic and Smuggling Crime Investigation Department of the Nghe An Provincial Police announced the dismantling of a production line for bean sprouts soaked in chemicals. This significant operation led to the initiation of legal proceedings against four individuals who owned bean sprout production facilities, all charged with violating food safety regulations.
The investigation began when authorities discovered multiple facilities in the region showing signs of food safety violations. These facilities were allegedly involved in a scheme where individuals from both within and outside the province collaborated to produce bean sprouts using harmful chemicals to increase output and maximize profits.
On April 11, 2025, the Economic and Smuggling Crime Investigation Department, in coordination with local police and agricultural quality control agencies, inspected four bean sprout production facilities in Vinh city. The inspection resulted in the arrest of four owners: Luu Manh Huong (32), Luu Van Trung (28), both from Truc Ninh district in Nam Dinh province; Tran Khac Duy (35) and Nguyen Van Huong (27), both residing in Vinh city.
During the operation, authorities seized approximately 2,000 containers filled with about 25 tons of bean sprouts, alongside 25 liters of a chemical solution known as "nuoc keo" (6-Benzylaminopurine) and 150 liters of a diluted solution intended for bean sprout production. The chemical 6-Benzylaminopurine is a prohibited substance in Vietnam, recognized for its potential health risks, including severe respiratory issues and even fatal outcomes when ingested.
According to the investigation, from 2024 until their arrest, the suspects produced and sold around 3,500 tons of bean sprouts that had been treated with this harmful chemical. The motive behind using 6-Benzylaminopurine was to enhance the size, appearance, and marketability of the bean sprouts, ultimately leading to higher profits.
Images from the production facilities revealed thousands of green containers used for incubating the bean sprouts, raising alarm among consumers. Many expressed their outrage at the prospect of contaminated food entering the market, which could directly impact public health. "We demand strict action against these violations to deter further misconduct in food safety practices," said a concerned local resident.
This crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, designated as the "Month of Action for Food Safety." The campaign aims to combat food safety violations and ensure that consumers are protected from harmful products. The authorities have pledged to intensify their efforts in monitoring food production practices to safeguard public health.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by regulatory bodies in ensuring food safety in Vietnam. With rising concerns over food quality and safety, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety standards in food production.
As investigations continue, the Nghe An Provincial Police are expanding their inquiry to identify any additional individuals or entities involved in this illicit operation. The authorities are determined to hold all responsible parties accountable and prevent future violations of food safety regulations.
In light of this incident, consumer advocacy groups are calling for more stringent regulations and enforcement to protect the public from unsafe food practices. They emphasize the need for regular inspections and a transparent food supply chain to ensure that consumers can trust the products they purchase.
The public's response to the news of this operation has been overwhelmingly supportive of the police's actions. Many locals have taken to social media to express their relief that authorities are taking the issue of food safety seriously. "It's about time someone did something about the food we eat! We need to know that our food is safe and healthy," one user commented.
As this story unfolds, it highlights the critical intersection of food safety, public health, and regulatory enforcement in Vietnam. The Nghe An Provincial Police's decisive actions reflect a growing commitment to tackling food safety violations, aiming to restore consumer confidence and ensure that safe food practices are upheld across the region.
In conclusion, the dismantling of this bean sprout production line serves as a wake-up call for consumers and authorities alike. It demonstrates the need for ongoing vigilance in monitoring food production practices and the importance of regulatory compliance in safeguarding public health.
