January 17, 2012

Vietnam to stop salbutamol use in pig farming

The state media reported Monday (Jan 16) that the use of salbutamol in swine farming throughout the country has been requested to be stopped by Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Salbutamol is a growth regulator which is no longer allowed to be use in swine farming due to its harmful effect to human health. However, many Vietnamese still illegally use the substance to feed their pigs.

The ministry has built a plan to hinder the substance use in swine and will cooperate with police nationwide, the Viet Nam newspaper said.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, Tien Giang, Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau have signed a agreement on providing and purchasing of animal meats that meet food safety requirements.

Provinces will build policies to encourage local farmers to follow Vietnam Good Agro Husbandry Practices (VietCAHP) in producing safety chain.

Saigon Coop Mart also signed agreements with Vissan, Sagrifood, Binh Minh and Vinh Thanh Dat on which the food producers will supply clean products for the supermarket.