No evidence found of diseased pork or chicken sold by C.P. Vietnam: inspection results

This confirmation, released on Monday, follows recent inspections conducted by competent authorities to investigate social media allegations made by a man identified as L.Q.N., who accused the company of selling diseased pork and chicken.

Inspections, test results confirm no safety issues

On May 31, the Regional Livestock and Veterinary Sub-Department VII collaborated with an inter-agency inspection team in Soc Trang Province in the Mekong Delta region – where N. claimed to have detected diseased meat being sold – to examine compliance with legal regulations on food safety at three C.P. Vietnam business locations.

At the time of the inspection, the team found no evidence of sales involving diseased pork or chicken products, unsafe food items, or expired goods at C.P. Vietnam's business locations.

However, food safety certifications for two establishments – locations No. 21 and No. 8 – had expired.

Meat samples taken from C.P.'s store system tested negative for African swine fever, classical swine fever, and blue-ear disease (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome).

From May 30 to June 2, the Livestock and Veterinary Sub-Departments in several other provinces and cities in the region, including Can Tho, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, and Hau Giang, conducted inspections of certain slaughterhouses and business establishments of C.P. Vietnam.

In Can Tho City, no diseased pigs have been found mixed with healthy ones. Pigs entering slaughterhouses have clear origins and are accompanied by complete quarantine certificates from both their place of origin and destination.

An inspection of a slaughterhouse in Ca Mau Province revealed that pigs had clear origins and quarantine certificates; veterinary officers were present to oversee the slaughter process as per regulations; and no signs of disease were detected in the pigs.

C.P. Vietnam denies allegations as fabrications

On May 30, C.P. Vietnam submitted a report to the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, emphasizing its strict adherence to veterinary and food safety regulations.

The company stated that this compliance policy is thoroughly communicated to all leaders, managers, and staff.

In the report, C.P. Vietnam provided an initial subjective analysis regarding the motives behind the complaint.

The company expressed its cooperation with authorities to investigate the issues raised and has requested the department to establish an inspection team to review its production and business activities for clarification.

C.P. Vietnam also issued an official statement to customers and partners, asserting that the allegations made by the 'Jonny Lieu' Facebook account and the 'Ngan Tech' Zalo account, both reportedly used by N., are fabricated and false.

The company emphasized that these claims are intended to defame and harm its reputation.

Furthermore, C.P. Vietnam is actively coordinating with authorities to address the situation in accordance with legal regulations.

The company aims to protect its legitimate rights and pursue strict action against defamation and fabrication.

"All company operations are currently proceeding normally, stably, and in full compliance with legal regulations," C.P. Vietnam said.

Social media allegations

In recent days, a complaint has circulated on social media from N., a 40-year-old man from Soc Trang Province, accusing C.P. Vietnam of selling diseased pork and chicken.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on May 31, N. stated that he previously worked at C.P. Vietnam, handling pork processing.

During his work period at a C.P. Fresh Shop in My Xuyen District, Soc Trang, he claimed to have uncovered serious food safety violations committed by the store leadership.

N. alleged that between late 2022 and early 2023, he and several colleagues discovered that the store was mixing diseased pigs and chickens – some emitting a foul odor – into products sold to consumers.

He reported these findings to the store management, but no action was taken.

When asked why he only came forward now, despite the incidents occurring in 2022 and 2023, N. explained that he had repeatedly reported the issue to the leadership, but his concerns were not addressed.

He had hoped the matter would be resolved internally, but after observing no corrective measures, he decided to speak out publicly.

N. reported that he was suspended from his position in March 2023, shortly after crying foul.

He said he was then engaged in administrative work from home for the company, with his contract scheduled to be terminated on June 1.