Many tips before the "disaster" of bean sprouts soaked in banned substances

(Baohatinh.vn) - According to doctors in Ha Tinh, using banned substances to soak bean sprouts not only affects nutritional value but also poses a potential risk to public health.

On April 19, Nghe An Provincial Police initiated a case and temporarily detained four owners of bean sprout production facilities in Vinh City for violating food safety regulations.

Previously, the authorities had simultaneously inspected these four establishments and discovered nearly 2,000 boxes of various types of bean sprouts with a total weight of up to 25 tons. The seized evidence also included 25 liters of pure "candy water" chemicals (6-Benzylaminopurine) and 150 liters of mixed solution to soak and water bean sprouts.

Nghe An police determined that the subjects used 6-Benzylaminopurine "candy water" to make bean sprouts sprout quickly, have large, plump stems, short roots and a more eye-catching appearance. (Photo: Nghe An Newspaper ).

Through investigation, the police determined that the subjects used "candy water" to make bean sprouts sprout quickly, have large, plump stems, short roots and have a more eye-catching appearance. From the beginning of 2024 until being discovered, these establishments had sold about 3,500 tons of "dirty" bean sprouts to the market.

Previously, in Dak Lak , the provincial police also prosecuted 4 cases and temporarily detained 4 subjects in Buon Ma Thuot city for similar acts. The authorities seized more than 20 tons of bean sprouts soaked in the chemical 6-Benzylaminopurine, worth about 400 million VND.

What is outrageous is that these subjects consumed about 2,900 tons of "dirty" bean sprouts in 2024, an average of 8-10 tons per day. Notably, a production facility also signed a contract to supply bean sprouts to a supermarket system in large quantities of 350-400kg per day. To deceive consumers, the subjects also blatantly put labels "For everyone's health", "no chemicals", "no stimulants", "no preservatives" on the product packaging.

One of the facilities producing bean sprouts soaked in chemicals was discovered by the police. (Photo provided by the police)

In Ha Tinh , when there was information about bean sprouts soaked in chemicals in Nghe An being distributed to local markets for consumption, many consumers could not help but worry.

Ms. Luong Cam Trang (Ha Huy Tap ward, Ha Tinh city) said: "Since the news was reported, I have not dared to buy and eat it anymore. Before, seeing white, plump bean sprouts was pleasing to the eye, but now it raises so many doubts."

Not only housewives but also many eateries and restaurants in Ha Tinh are more cautious in choosing bean sprout suppliers. Instead of focusing only on price, food service establishments now prioritize safety and origin.

Walking around the markets in Ha Tinh after two cases of bean sprouts being soaked with the chemical 6-Benzylaminopurine were recently discovered, it was noted that consumption was slower than before.

Many Ha Tinh consumers are hesitant when choosing to buy bean sprouts at traditional markets.

Ms. NT H, a trader at Ha Tinh City Market, shared: “In the past, I sold dozens of kilograms of bean sprouts every day, but now, business is more difficult. Customers are now very perceptive, they can tell right away just by looking at the bean sprouts. Whenever they see a white, unusually plump sprout, they immediately shake their heads and refuse. Some people even bring out pictures of bean sprouts soaked in chemicals for comparison. It takes me a lot of time to explain, even using my personal reputation to make customers trust my products.”

The illegal use of the banned substance 6-Benzylaminopurine in the production of bean sprouts is not only a fraudulent act, contrary to the provisions of the law, but also poses unpredictable dangers to public health. Being a plant growth stimulant, 6-Benzylaminopurine is absolutely not allowed to be present in consumer foods. Therefore, accidentally consuming bean sprouts containing this chemical can cause acute reactions such as nausea, excruciating abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea and uncomfortable dizziness.

More dangerously, if accumulated in the body for a long time, 6-Benzylaminopurine can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys, leading to impaired liver function, chronic hepatitis, kidney failure and even increasing the risk of cancer, especially stomach and intestinal cancer.

Doctor Hoang Quynh Tho - Head of the Department of Nutrition (Ha Tinh General Hospital) said: “The substance 6-Benzylaminopurine can inhibit the activity of the nervous system, causing symptoms such as chronic insomnia, prolonged nervous tension and constant fatigue. In addition, this substance also has the potential to cause hormonal disorders, negatively affecting the fertility and comprehensive development of children. In particular, for pregnant women, consuming bean sprouts soaked in chemicals can lead to abnormalities in fetal development, even increasing the risk of miscarriage…”.

In order to promptly propagate and prevent the use of banned chemicals in the production of bean sprouts in particular and agricultural, forestry and fishery products in general in the province, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities and units to implement a number of measures such as: Strengthening propaganda and dissemination of food safety laws through various forms of communication. At the same time, reviewing and making statistics on food production and trading establishments, especially small-scale households with large output. Establishing interdisciplinary inspection teams, focusing on inspecting the production process and origin of products, especially bean sprouts...

Consumers need to observe carefully with the naked eye to choose bean sprouts that are safe for health.

Sharing about how to distinguish bean sprouts soaked in chemicals, Mr. Le Tung Duong - Deputy Head of the Department of Rural Development and Quality Management (Department of Agriculture and Environment) said: “With the naked eye, consumers should choose batches of bean sprouts with thin, slender stems, light brown color and uneven development. The sprout roots are brown, have many hairs, small cotyledons often stick to the bean shell and have the natural aroma of beans. On the contrary, be wary of bean sprouts with large, round, plump, white and even stems, because these are very likely to be the type that has been soaked in growth stimulants.

When used, chemically soaked bean sprouts often feel spongy, dry, and do not have the characteristic aroma of natural bean sprouts. They may even smell an unpleasant pungent odor and taste bland and not sweet. In addition, chemically soaked bean sprouts can be stored for a long time without spoiling. When breaking the stem, you will see a lot of water and unusual porosity. On the contrary, safe bean sprouts often spoil quickly and give off a characteristic aroma when stir-fried or cooked. Above all, consumers should buy bean sprouts at reputable addresses with clear and trustworthy origins to protect their own health and that of their families."

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nhieu-loi-khuyen-truoc-hoa-gia-do-ngam-chat-cam-post286539.html