March 28, 2011

Thailand to enforce rules on pig farms using illegal chemical

Thailand's Livestock Department will be investigating pig farms using a chemical agent to increase the redness of meat in their pigs.

A team of livestock officials in Thailand have filed a complaint against pig farm owners in Chon Buri province, who have been found illegally using the chemical beta-agonist, said Department Chief Preecha Somboonprasert.

The use of beta-agonist is harmful to pork consumers and can cause fatal heart conditions, and health officials have warned against the consumption of meat tainted with the substance.

Preecha said the department is sending teams of officials to inspect pig farms across the nation. The law might be amended to impose harsher punishment against farmers who use the illegal chemical agent, he said.