201 pigs found positive for banned substance in Ho Chi Minh City

The case was uncovered during a regular inspection on Sunday, when authorities stopped 15 trucks transporting livestock and frozen food along National Highway 1.

Among them, one truck driven by V.N.H., 40, from Lam Dong Province, carried 86 pigs, while another driven by T.K.B., 42, from Vinh Long Province, carried 115 pigs.

Both were headed to Ho Chi Minh City from neighboring Dong Nai City for slaughter.

The drivers presented veterinary certificates issued by Dong Nai’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries on July 26, 2026.

However, rapid tests conducted by inspectors revealed all 201 pigs were positive for salbutamol.

Salbutamol is banned from animal husbandry because it is used to promote lean meat growth.

Residues of the substance in pork can pose health risks to consumers and raise food safety concerns.

Authorities immediately documented the violation and took the pigs to a testing facility, handing them over to Thu Duc Animal Quarantine Center for further checks and legal handling.

The joint operation between traffic police and veterinary authorities aims to prevent unsafe food from entering the city’s markets.

Officials stressed that such inspections are vital to protect public health and ensure food safety standards are upheld.