On December 30, according to a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, some Bach Hoa Xanh stores (located in Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province) have stopped selling bean sprouts. A Bach Hoa Xanh employee said: "We are currently temporarily suspending the sale of this product. We hope you understand and choose another item."
This action came after the police discovered and punished six businesses in Buon Ma Thuot City that were soaking bean sprouts in the active ingredient 6-Benzylaminopurine. This is a banned substance that affects human health.
Ms. Bui Bich Phuong - owner of a restaurant in Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province - said: "After the above incident, many customers who come to my restaurant for breakfast often ask about the origin of bean sprouts. Some people even do not use bean sprouts in their food."
According to Ms. Phuong, in response to that customer mentality, the store prioritizes using products grown and produced by farmers or sourced from reputable establishments. The origin of the products is clear, certified by the authorities...
Also in the morning of the same day, the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee requested relevant units to investigate, trace, and recall bean sprouts soaked in banned substances circulating in the area.
As reported by Lao Dong Newspaper, the authorities have simultaneously inspected 6 bean sprout production facilities in Buon Ma Thuot City. Among them, there are 2 facilities owned by Lam Van Dao (born in 1990), residing in Ea Tu commune; 2 facilities owned by Vu Duy Tu (born in 1991); 1 facility owned by Nguyen Van Quynh (born in 1973) and 1 facility owned by Nguyen Van Hao (born in 1988), all in Tan Hoa ward.
Through inspection, the subjects confessed that in the process of producing bean sprouts, they used lime, well water and a colorless liquid. The colorless liquid is often called "candy" water by the subjects. According to the Economic Police Department, Dak Lak Provincial Police, "candy" water is the active ingredient 6-Benzylaminopurine. This active ingredient is not on the list of permitted use in food production and the list of pesticides permitted for use in Vietnam. There were 6 businesses that sold about 2,900 tons of bean sprouts soaked in banned chemicals to the market. On average, each facility produces 8 to 10 tons of bean sprouts per day.
