Woman indicted for making 510 tonnes of bean sprouts with banned chemical in northern Vietnam

The investigation police agency under the provincial Department of Public Security announced on Saturday that it had initiated criminal proceedings against Chu Thi Hoa, 36, hailing from neighboring Phu Tho Province, for violating food safety regulations.

The case was uncovered after police received a tip-off on March 29 alleging that Hoa was using a banned substance in large-scale bean sprout production.

Acting on the lead, investigators raided her facility and seized more than four metric tons of bean sprouts that were being prepared for distribution.

Samples collected from the site were sent to the Criminal Science Institute under the Ministry of Public Security for forensic testing.

Test results confirmed the presence of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), a plant growth regulator not permitted for use in food processing.

At the police station, Hoa admitted to using 6-BAP to accelerate the growth of bean sprouts after two days of sprouting, making the products appear larger and more visually appealing for sale.

Investigators said she produced between 700 kilograms and one metric ton per day, supplying wholesale markets in several northern localities, including Lao Cai, Phu Tho, and Hanoi.

Initial findings showed that from early 2024 until the time of the raid, Hoa had produced and sold about 510 metric tons of bean sprouts treated with 6-BAP, police said.

Under regulations issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, 6-BAP is prohibited from food processing due to its harmful effects on human health.

Prolonged exposure to the substance may damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and can be fatal.

Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and expand the probe to identify others involved in the case.