The Department of Agricultural Product Quality, Processing, and Market Development (NAFIQPM) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has formally requested a detailed report from Dak Lak’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) regarding the use of banned substances in bean sprout production.

This comes after police in Dak Lak uncovered and prosecuted several individuals for violating food safety regulations at multiple production facilities.

NAFIQPM has asked Dak Lak authorities to: Provide comprehensive information on food safety management at the violating facilities; Detail the measures taken to recall and address the issue; Submit the report by December 30.

The Ministry has also directed local agencies to enhance inspections, tighten food safety measures, and raise awareness among food producers and businesses about regulatory compliance.

The case in detail

The Dak Lak Provincial Police have charged and detained four individuals, including Lam Van Dao and Vu Duy Tu, for "violating food safety regulations."

Following inspections of six bean sprout production facilities in Buon Ma Thuot City, authorities seized over 20 tons of bean sprouts soaked in 6-Benzylaminopurine, a growth stimulant that is harmful to human health.

This chemical, commonly used in plant cell growth, is banned in food production due to its toxic effects. Prolonged exposure can cause severe birth defects such as hydrocephalus, low birth weight in infants, and, in large doses, even death.

The investigation revealed that the accused sold approximately 2,900 tons of contaminated bean sprouts in 2024, with one facility supplying 350–400 kilograms daily to the Bách Hóa Xanh supermarket chain.

In response, Bách Hóa Xanh announced the immediate withdrawal of all products from the supplier and began testing all bean sprouts across its stores.

Broader concerns and government response

At a review meeting on December 26, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam emphasized the critical role of food safety in protecting public health and meeting the increasing demands of domestic and export markets.

He highlighted gaps in food safety enforcement, particularly in local wet markets, where oversight often falls between overlapping jurisdictions of trade and agriculture authorities.

“Don’t wait for incidents like this to take action. NAFIQPM must propose a coordinated framework for food safety management,” Nam said.

The Ministry also urged local authorities to: Monitor high-risk products more effectively; Develop stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent future violations.

Tam An