Pork traceability violations to face steep fines

HCMC Department of Industry and Trade deputy director Nguyen Ngoc Hoa test-checks the origin of pork at a market in the city - PHOTO: TU

HCMC – Vice chairman of HCMC Tran Vinh Tuyen said on August 8 the city is pushing for the implementation of a program to make sure all pork on sale has clear origin, so those committing violations will face heavy fines.

Despite difficulties, Tuyen said the city is firm in the pork origin tracking program which is aimed at providing consumers with clean and safe meat, and forcing pig farmers to kick the habit of using banned substances in the farming process.

The HCMC Department of Industry and Trade has proposed the Food Safety Management Board conduct quick tests of pork samples to determine whether they contain microorganisms and banned substances. And heavy fines should be slapped on violations,  such as selling pork without traceability tags.

In addition to calling for canteens at hospitals, schools and industrial parks to use pork with clear origin, the Food Safety Management Board should conduct regular checks and fine those using pork without information about origin.

According to data from the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade, 9,789 pigs were brought into the city from other parts of the country on August 8, with 8,289 of them through the city’s two wholesale markets, Binh Dien and Hoc Mon.  There are 7,646 pigs wearing traceability tags from farms.