Vietnam is grappling with a surge in food crime, particularly involving the use of hazardous chemicals in food production. The Economic Police Department has reported shocking incidents that have not only alarmed authorities but also the general public.
Disturbing Cases of Food Crime
Chemically-Laced Freshwater Snails
- Location: Rach Cat Ben Luc Street, Binh Dong Ward.
- Perpetrators: Huynh Van Truong (born 1979) and accomplices.
- Chemical Used: Sodium silicate, also known as “liquid glass.”
- Impact: Over 3,000 tons of chemically laced snails sold over five years.
- Quality: The operation was based in an unlicensed and unsanitary facility.
Toxic Noodles Production
- Owner: Vuong Luong Toan (born 1981).
- Location: Chau Phat business on Luy Ban Bich Street.
- Chemicals Used: Borax (banned), soda, and silicate solution.
- Time Frame: Over a decade of production.
- Distribution: Approximately 800 tons sold to local markets and restaurants in the last three years.
Fake Meat Operations
- Nature of Crime: Converting spoiled or untraceable pork into ‘premium meats.’
- Types of Meat Sold: Products labeled as ostrich, Australian goat, porcupine, or venison.
- Quantity: More than 50 tons of counterfeit meat distributed, mainly to restaurants and pubs.
Why Operations Went Undetected
These operations thrived due to sophisticated methods to evade detection. For instance, chemicals were stored off-site and transported in small quantities for immediate use. Production facilities were strategically located to minimize odor detection, often staffed only by family members to limit information leaks.
Previous violations often resulted in minor administrative fines, allowing offenders to rebrand and continue their operations under new names and addresses.
Authorities’ Response to Food Crime
In response to the alarming rise in food crimes, authorities are implementing more aggressive strategies. They are not only shutting down production sites but also tracking the origins of chemicals, raiding wholesale market stalls, and investigating supply chains. Offenders are now facing legal action not only for food violations but also for jeopardizing public health.
The Role of the Community
While some business owners defend their actions by citing economic hardship, law enforcement emphasizes the illegality and ethical failures inherent in poisoning food for profit. Investigators call for a multi-faceted approach to root out food crime, which includes community involvement, ethical business conduct, and enhanced coordination among health, market surveillance, and trade authorities.
Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious food production or distribution practices to local police or the Economic Police Department. Tackling the food crime epidemic requires vigilance and cooperation from all sectors of society.
