April 20, 2009

South Korea said Friday (Apr 17) it will destroy 161 tonnes of Chinese condensed beef stock contaminated with clenbuterol, a banned substance.

Detailed tests confirmed minute traces of clenbuterol in 34 out of 62 shipments screened, said the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

South Korea imported 827 tonnes of Chinese beef stock this year, of which 332 tonnes were checked in the past week. The remaining 495 tonnes had already been sold and consumed on the market.

Clenbuterol can cause rapid pulse and stomach and heart-related disorders in humans, but tests showed clenbuterol levels at 0.2-7.7 parts per billion, which is not enough to pose health risks to ordinary adults or children.

The ministry said those products that have passed examination will be released to the market.

South Korean authorities have called on China not to export beef stock until they discover the source of the contamination. South Korea has also temporarily banned sales of other imported stock so it can be screened.