Functional agencies determined that Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Company had continuously purchased, preserved and put African swine fever-infected pork into the processing line of products such as pate, spring rolls and then distributed them to the market for many months. Functional forces discovered about 130 tons of African swine fever-infected pork in the company's warehouse, thereby processing more than 14,000 boxes of pate and many other products. Notably, about 2 tons of meat were put into the processing line before the incident was discovered.
Immediately after the information was announced, major supermarket systems in Hanoi urgently recalled and removed all related products from shelves to protect consumers.
Hai Phong Department of Health has spoken out to warn of the risks to public health, and at the same time proposed a series of solutions to tighten food safety management.
According to the Hai Phong Department of Health, this is a serious case, showing a large loophole in the control of input materials and production processes at enterprises. Although the ASF virus does not spread to humans, infected pork is often not hygienic, and is very easy to carry dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli, Clostridium botulinum - agents that can cause poisoning, digestive disorders and severe complications.
Mr. Hoang Anh Tung - Head of Hai Phong City Sub-Department of Food Safety and Hygiene - said that putting this type of meat into processing is a behavior that poses a great risk to consumers. The health sector recommends that people only use food of clear origin, "eat cooked, drink boiled" and promptly report suspicious products to functional agencies.
After receiving the above information, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development) requested the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment to urgently report and coordinate in handling the case of Ha Long Canned Food Company purchasing and processing pork contaminated with African swine fever. Report on the entire work of food safety management, inspection results, handling and traceability, and recall of violating shipments. Coordinate with relevant functional agencies and localities to investigate, trace and handle violations. Strengthen propaganda, requiring production and business establishments to only use raw materials of clear origin, ensuring food safety and epidemic prevention...
The management of the above case is under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Consumers are wondering about the current decentralization of food management when too many cases of dirty food have occurred in the past time.
Regarding the current food management, Dr. Chu Quoc Thinh, Acting Director of the Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) said: The Ministry of Health is seeking opinions on the draft Law on Food Safety (amended).
The draft Law on Food Safety (amended) focuses on 5 major policy groups, including: tightening the management of high-risk food production and business establishments; clear decentralization and decentralization in food safety management; controlling processed and pre-packaged food according to risk levels; strengthening control of imported food based on risks and compliance history of businesses; and strictly managing substances used in food processing that are at risk of being abused.
Amending the Food Safety Law is necessary to overcome inadequacies, clarify the responsibilities of management agencies and businesses, and improve the effectiveness of ensuring food safety. At the same time, strengthen post-inspection, promote decentralization, reform administrative procedures, protect consumer rights and create favorable conditions for businesses.
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