March 20, 2009
China authorities detain 15 over contaminated pork scandal
Chinese prosecutors said Wednesday (Mar 18) a total of 15 people had been arrested in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, on charges of selling pigs that had been fed banned additives.
The suspects were arrested in the districts of Haizhu, Tianhe, Baiyun, Huadu and Zengcheng between February 10 and March 17.
The additives found in the contaminated pork were ractopamine and clenbuterol.
According to the prosecutors, the 15 would face charges of producing and marketing substandard and harmful food. Those found guilty could face up to five years of prison terms.
Officials began an investigation after Guangzhou reported 70 cases of clenbuterol poisoning beginning February 18. Cases involving ractopamine poisoning were also reported but no number was released.
Ractopamine and clenbuterol help pigs to produce leaner pork but the latter chemical is banned as an additive in pig feed in China as it is known to be harmful to humans and can be fatal.
