(PLO)- Although there are regulations to sanction a number of behaviors related to food safety, it is time to set up more effective barriers so that our country does not become a place to consume various types of food. Dirty animal waste from all over the world pours in.
Last week, newspaper Ho Chi Minh City Law There are a series of investigative articles about warehouses in Da Nang and Lam Dong that store and supply tons of pork breasts, floating sausages from China for restaurants in Da Lat city, along with “technology”. “turning pork breasts into beef stew in pubs for diners. Currently, the authorities are consolidating the dossier for processing.
The discovery of several tons of frozen animal organs of unknown origin is just the tip of the iceberg. And almost every month, authorities detect and seize weights, tons, and tens of tons, mainly animal by-products (young eggs; chicken feet; breasts, sausages, hearts). , skin, bones of pigs, cows, horses…).
The above types of animal by-products are mainly smuggled goods by many routes such as small quotas, goods temporarily imported for re-export and then smuggled into the country, imported to be used in animal husbandry but secretly used as food for people…
Despite being recommended by doctors to “limit, not use…” animal viscera, Vietnam is one of the world’s top consumers of animal by-products. The dishes of pork belly, goat breast, beef stew… are favorite dishes of many people, so it is not surprising that restaurants always serve these dishes to diners (whether these dishes may or may not be on the menu). .
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| Police in Da Lat, Lam Dong confiscated tons of organs of unknown origin. |
It won’t be a problem if the above by-products are checked, controlled, quarantined, guaranteed to be safe and hygienic… On the other hand, it is of unknown origin, is it from an epidemic area and of course not has an expiration date but no one knows if it is impregnated or impregnated with any chemicals.
There was a time when we banned the import of these by-products because they were out of control, because there were too many hazards to consumers’ health. However, in recent years, we have allowed to re-import this item, but under a very strict process, under the supervision of the Department of Animal Health and relevant authorities. Taking advantage of this, floating animal waste has the opportunity to spread.
Inspection and control are not good, but when detected and arrested, it is very difficult to prove that it is contraband, so the authorities can only deal with the category of non-quarantine goods, without invoices and documents, but the fines are according to the regulations. Regulations are not enough of a deterrent.
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| Many restaurants in Da Lat use floating pig breasts to sell to diners |
Currently, according to the Law on Food Safety, Decree 98/2020 (amended by Decree 17/2022), Decree 115/2018 (amended by Decree 124/2021) stipulates penalties for violations of food safety regulations. In terms of food safety… the act of trading in goods of unknown origin is subject to a fine such as “scratching an itch”, which is based on the value of the goods to be sanctioned. While the value of these items, if taken to the price, is at a very low level, according to the price of animal waste, not the price that merchants sell to consumers.
That’s not to mention the warehouses and restaurants that deal by storing this type of product very little, buy it wherever you go, because just “alo is available” so when the authorities check it, it is rarely detected. detect or detect very small quantities.
It is true that the Penal Code has regulations on criminal prosecution for violations of food safety regulations under Article 317 of the Penal Code 2015 (amended and supplemented in 2017), but if you want to handle violators, the “knowing” element is required. “cause consequences”, “recidivism”… can be criminally handled. While the use of floating animal waste does not cause immediate consequences on the health and life of consumers, it is difficult for the prosecution to prosecute and if there is cancer or other disease, it is difficult to prosecute. Authorities also cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship to handle the crooks.
Therefore, although there are regulations, it is rare to see anyone criminally prosecuted for this crime.
Looking at the regulations, the act of supplying, processing, selling… floating animal waste products that do not ensure food hygiene and safety are regulated by law, but the inspection and supervision mechanism is still lax. , sanctions are not enough deterrent, so this favorite dish still comes to diners minutes and hours.
It’s time to put in place more effective barriers to prevent our country from becoming a consumer of dirty animal waste from all over the world.
MOTE