Nearly 1 Ton of Diseased Pork Seized in Vietnam

In Vietnam's Hung Yen province, an investigation is underway for alleged violations of food safety regulations following the seizure of nearly one ton of diseased pork that tested positive for the African Swine Fever virus. The suspect, Nguyen Trong Khuong, 32, residing in My Hao ward, was reportedly involved in purchasing pigs from various locations, receiving them at non-fixed sites, and pre-processing them externally before moving them to his cold storage. According to the police, Khuong allegedly turned off his surveillance camera system and erected barriers around his property whenever he was processing meat to evade law enforcement. On the afternoon of July 27, police from My Hao ward, the Investigation Police Agency of Hung Yen Provincial Police, the Market Management Team, and the Provincial Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine conducted a surprise inspection of his slaughterhouse. They apprehended Khuong in the act of processing a large quantity of pork showing signs of spoilage, discoloration, and odor. Authorities seized 977.8 kg of meat and animal products, along with slaughtering equipment. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed that 7 out of 9 meat samples were positive for the African Swine Fever virus. All animals and animal products testing positive for the African Swine Fever virus, along with related evidence, have been destroyed by the authorities. The investigation into Khuong's alleged violations of food safety regulations has been transferred to the Hung Yen Provincial Police under Article 317 of the Penal Code. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in food safety management within Vietnam and the continued existence of illegal meat processing operations. African Swine Fever remains a significant threat to Vietnam's livestock industry, and its containment is a national priority.