June 3, 2009

The chemical contamination of meat and meat products are increasing yearly in Vietnam, according to a food safety report by the country's National Assembly (NA).

 

In its ongoing fifth session, the legislature body said the amount of preservative chemicals and those from tools and packages found in meat and meat products in the 2007-2008 period are two to three times higher than those in the 2004-2006, the report said.

 

According to the report by the NA Standing Committee, several bronchial dilating chemicals such as salbutamol and clenbuterol were still found in meat in excess of the amounts permitted.

 

Statistics from cities and provinces nationwide showed that 62.9 percent of the samples of meat and meat products met safety standards in the 2007-2008 period, down from 68.2 percent in 2004-2006.

 

The committee proposed issuing a law on food safety to clarify the roles of different agencies for ensuring food safety and hygiene in the country, as well as penalties for food producers and sellers.

 

For the short term, the committee urged the assembly to issue a decree concerning food safety or at least devote a special section to it in the annual socio-economic decree.

 

The government is planning to spend more money for scientific research on this issue, according to the report.

 

The fifth session of the 12th NA will discuss food safety and hygiene issues on June 10. The discussions will be broadcast live on television and radio.