Ministry inspects bean sprout supply

HA NOI — Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat yesterday asked the Department of Plant Protection to keep running tests on samples of bean sprouts to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Nguyen Xuan Hong, head of the department said it had worked in co-operation with its branch in HCM City to test samples of bean sprouts from seven big producers, and proved that spouts contaminated with dangerous chemicals originated from China.

The results of tests on bean sprouts in Ha Noi are going to be released in a week. However, according to the initial assessment, a kind of chemical boosting the growth process is suspected to be used in these samples.

Hong said people usually eat bean sprouts raw, so it was necessary to ensure these vegetables were free from harmful bacteria.

The department also reported that grapes imported from China were found to contain a level of plant protection chemicals that was three to five times higher than what was permitted by law.

He said random checks on imported fruits, especially apples, pears, oranges, watermelons and grapes would continue in the coming time.

Minister Phat said relevant agencies were also considering new regulations on food safety and hygiene that would better minimise negative impacts on business. — VNS