Pig lymph nodes found in pork sausage filling: What did the doctor say?

Following a social media post warning about finding pig's gallstones in the filling of Vietnamese steamed rice cakes, which has attracted widespread attention, doctors have issued a warning.

Controversy erupts over discovery that pork belly filling in Vietnamese steamed rice dumplings is made from pig's testicles.

Recently, images of Vietnamese steamed rice dumplings containing "strange meat scraps"—believed to be pig lymph nodes—have been shared on social media, causing widespread confusion and concern among consumers.

Specifically, an account named AN shared a post that read: "From now on, I'll avoid banh gio (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls) or any dish with minced meat mixed in, because for profit they'll do anything, mixing in even the pig's glands, and a lot of them at that, I only managed to pick out a little bit..."

This article quickly attracted many comments and shares. Many people expressed concern that eating pig testicles could easily lead to illness.

The post, shared on social media, caused a public uproar (Screenshot).

Regarding this issue, Dr. Le Van Thieu, from the Department of General Infectious Diseases at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, stated that pig lymph nodes (lymphatic glands) are part of the immune system, helping animals fight infections and diseases. However, pig lymph nodes are also a breeding ground for many dangerous pathogens.

According to Dr. Thieu, pig lymph nodes often have an unpleasant odor and contain pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, which can directly transmit diseases to the body. Besides bacteria, pig lymph nodes also contain many types of parasites, including worms and flukes. Notably, the pathogens in pig lymph nodes are difficult to destroy even when cooked at high temperatures.

"Consuming unprocessed pork testicles or those mixed into minced meat dishes like pork rolls, sausages, and meatballs can pose a risk of bacterial and parasitic infections. These parasites, once they enter the human body, can damage vital organs such as the digestive system, liver, lungs, and even the brain. Young children and the elderly are at the highest risk due to their weaker immune systems," Dr. Thieu shared.

What are the risks of eating pig's testicles?

Dr. Thieu also stated that during the breeding process, animals are often injected with antibiotics and other medications. These substances can accumulate in the lymphatic system, posing a high risk to consumers upon contact.

Consuming pig's testicles containing residual chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system and affect the human immune system, especially in children and pregnant women. Therefore, consuming pig's testicles poses not only an immediate risk but can also negatively impact health in the long term.

"Furthermore, some people with sensitive constitutions may be allergic to specific proteins in pig lymph nodes. Allergic reactions can include itching, rashes, swelling, and even anaphylactic shock in severe cases. This is especially dangerous for people with a history of allergies or immune system disorders," Dr. Thieu emphasized.

Pig lymph nodes are a breeding ground for many dangerous pathogens (Illustrative image)

Dr. Thieu advises consumers to be cautious in choosing food. Therefore, to avoid the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections, consumers should prioritize choosing food with clear origins, processed in reputable establishments, and meeting food safety and hygiene standards.

"People should not consume food if they are unsure about its origin and processing. Thorough processing also plays a crucial role in eliminating bacteria and parasites that may be present in food. Protecting health is not only the responsibility of the producer but also of the consumer. Prioritize hygienically safe foods and minimize consumption of dishes from uncontrolled sources," Dr. Thieu advised.

Source: https://giadinhonline.vn/xon-xao-phat-hien-hach-lon-trong-nhan-banh-gio-bac-si-noi-gi-d202662.html