Exposing the Stench: Rancid Pork on the Verge of Flooding the Market

Recently, the Market Management Department of Dong Nai Province, in collaboration with the local police and the Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Aquatic Product Quality Management, conducted a surprise inspection of a business establishment in the area.

During the inspection, the team discovered a significant amount of pork and pig offal emitting a foul odor, stored in freezers. The entire batch lacked invoices or documentation proving its origin, had discolored, and smelled putrid.

When questioned, the owner, Ms. P.T.L., failed to provide any relevant business or product origin documents and admitted to the violations. The inspection team issued an administrative penalty and initiated the destruction of all unsafe food products in accordance with regulations.

Just days earlier, the Inter-Sector Inspection Team 389 of Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai, alongside police, caught Mr. V.A.D. (Long Binh Ward, Bien Hoa City) red-handed selling pork of unknown origin.

At the time of inspection, the team found various pork by-products totaling 1.2 tons and 6 dead pigs weighing 239kg, summing up to 1.5 tons.

Mr. V.A.D. admitted that the pork was purchased from local farmers and processed for market sale. He could not provide any proof of origin or business registration documents.

The pork was left unhygienically on the ground, emitting a foul odor and showing signs of discoloration. The team instructed Mr. V.A.D. to contact an authorized environmental company for proper disposal.

Dong Nai, home to the largest pig population in Vietnam, has been grappling with African swine fever outbreaks and numerous unlicensed small-scale slaughterhouses.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Nai has proposed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to increase penalties for unlicensed slaughtering by fivefold. Currently, the fine for slaughtering animals at unauthorized locations ranges from VND 6-8 million under Decree 90/2017, which is insufficient to deter violations.

In response to the rising concerns over counterfeit, substandard, and fake goods, the Domestic Market Management and Development Department has formed seven task forces to inspect, supervise, and guide efforts against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods. These measures aim to ensure market stability during the peak period before, during, and after the 2026 Bính Ngọ Lunar New Year.

The task forces will monitor goods from January 9 to March 15, focusing on high-demand periods in January, which are prone to smuggling, trade fraud, hoarding, and food safety violations. Inspections will target provinces and cities with significant supply chains.