On the afternoon of January 3, Tran Duc Nhat, Vice Chairman of Buon Ma Thuot City People's Committee, confirmed the suspension following a police investigation that uncovered the use of toxic chemicals in the production of thousands of tons of bean sprouts.

The local government has assigned wards and communes to supervise the compliance of these facilities during the suspension period.

Nhat emphasized strict enforcement measures, pledging to handle these violations firmly while intensifying inspections of small-scale food production facilities in the city.

He warned that local leaders would be held accountable if similar violations occurred in their jurisdictions.

Investigation and arrests

On December 26, 2024, Dak Lak Provincial Police announced the arrest and prosecution of four individuals involved in the illegal production process: Lam Van Dao (born 1990), residing in Ea Tu Commune, Buon Ma Thuot City; Vu Duy Tu (born 1991), Nguyen Van Quynh (born 1973), and Nguyen Van Hao (born 1988), all residing in Tan Hoa Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City.

These individuals were found to be using 6-Benzylaminopurine, referred to in coded language as “syrup water,” to accelerate the growth of bean sprouts.

Authorities confirmed that 6-Benzylaminopurine, a plant growth hormone not approved for use in food production or as a pesticide in Vietnam, poses severe health risks.

This chemical, a cytokinin that stimulates cell growth, can have harmful effects if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Long-term exposure can lead to low birth weight, hydrocephalus, congenital defects in infants, or even death if consumed in large quantities.

Scale of the operation

Investigators reported seizing 20,357 kilograms of bean sprouts that had been treated with 6-Benzylaminopurine, valued at approximately 400 million VND (around 16,800 USD).

It was further revealed that in 2024, around 2,900 tons of chemically treated bean sprouts were distributed in the market.

Of particular concern, the investigation found that Bach Hoa Xanh, a prominent retail chain, had a contract to purchase 350-400 kilograms of bean sprouts daily from Lam Dao Trading Co., owned by Lam Van Dao.

The accused admitted to sourcing the banned chemical from Ho Chi Minh City to produce the tainted bean sprouts.

Hai Duong