Vietnam to Tighten Control over Chemical Agents in Food Production

The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has urged to tighten control over chemical substances used in food processing in a move to protect health of the consumers. The move followed a recent rumor about the so-called “iron powder” used to make chickens look more attractive that are sold widely in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some other provinces. The Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology said this powder is an industrial color containing diaminoazobenzene hydrochloride which is used in polymer production and prohibited in food production. The ministry has requested its provincial departments to enhance inspection and supervision of the use of the chemical substances in food production, noting that violators will get tough fines. The health ministry’s Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) earlier said it will also make analyzes to define the substances’ toxicity for human consumption. More and more toxic chemicals in food samples have also been reported in recent times, triggering the public concerns over food safety violation and their health, experts warned. (news.gov.vn Oct 11)