February 17, 2012

Chinese authorities seize suspected water-injected pork

Authorities of Songjiang district, China, have seized 200 kilogrammes of pork suspected to be injected with water.

The incident follows a complaint about purchased meat found to be leaking water. Reports to authorities prompted inspections of all vendors at a market and interrogations of two vendors.

When water is injected into the animals, it slows down the movement of their stomachs, resulting in the settlement of food residue within the organs and releasing harmful chemicals, such as ammonia and cresol. Water injected meat also helps to increase the weight of meats like pork and beef.

According to Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Administrative Bureau's Songjiang branch, pork is currently under monitor. Tests show that there is a possibility that the pork had been injected with water.

In January, the Jiangsu Province seized more than 300 kilogrammes of water-injected meat. Investigations are still in progress.