Strengthening inspection on using banned substances in livestock

According to provincial Veterinary Department, in next July, the department and competent agencies will inspect 9 districts, towns and city in the province for using Auramine O to ensure consumers health.

Not for the short-term benefits

In Binh Duong, Auramine O substance, which is a chemical imported from foreign countries, is commonly used in dyeing textiles and construction, and is not allowed to use in food, has been detected mainly in fresh bamboo shoots, chicken meat… With just a small amount of this substance, production facilities can turn poor-quality bamboo shoots into fresh, crispy bamboo shoots to deceive consumers.

Chicken farm of Mr. Nguyen Quang Minh in An Lap Commune, Dau Tieng District

Mr. Tran Phu Cuong, Director of provincial Veterinary Department said, some farmers in the province were mistaken that mixing Auramine O with poultry feed would produce bright attractive yellow meat. In fact, Auramine O substance will make chicken legs and meat becomes yellow, more attractive, but does not increase the quality of chicken meat. Besides, this will increase 4-5% product price. Additionally, this substance also causes great harms to animal and consumer health. 

According to Mr. Cuong, the province set up an inspection team for using Auramine O substance. The authorities will carry out inspections on a large scale to ensure quality of the livestock sector in the province, thereby contributing to raising awareness of farmers...

Strictly handling violations

Currently, the province has 440 pig farms with more than 457,000 swine. Regarding small private stock, the province has nearly 3,160 farms with more than 94,000 swine. The authorities have intensified control of banned substance use in animal husbandry. However, because Binh Duong borders many other provinces, the province is facing challenges to protect the livestock industry.

According to Mr. Cuong, the cause of banned substance use in animal husbandry is partly the price increase, affecting the mercenary mindset of many farmers. Besides, the pressure put by dealers has induced farmers to use banned substances in order for pork to look good, lean, attractive, then customers will buy with higher prices. Now the industry has more risks from dangerous Auramine O substance used on chicken.

It is expected that in early July, inspection of the Auramine O substance use at farms will be intensified by provincial Veterinary Department and relevant authorities. Mr Cuong said, in Jul 1^st, violations of banned substance use in livestock breeding, slaughtering will be prosecuted for criminal liabilities, which will be the best measures to handle actions against consumer and community’s health.

Reported by Phung Hieu – Translated by Ngoc Huynh