On 11/5, the Ho Chi Minh City Police's Economic Police Department (PC03) temporarily detained Thai and Nguyen Van Thang, 36, for investigation into violating food safety regulations.

Nguyen Van Thai (light-colored shirt on the left) and Nguyen Van Thang arrested. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Following directives from the Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police to intensify efforts against environmental crime, food safety violations, and to protect consumer health, PC03 uncovered a network producing and selling fake beef and beef containing banned substances in Binh Tri Dong ward, led by Thai.

Investigators determined that since 2024, Thai purchased sow thigh meat for 110,000 VND per kg. He then cut it into small pieces and soaked it in Sodium Metabisulphite to eliminate the pork smell and change the meat's texture. He further soaked this treated meat in pig blood to mimic the color of beef before selling it on the market for 150,000 VND per kg.

Pork soaked in chemicals to be transformed into beef. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Furthermore, Thai also purchased inexpensive frozen beef, soaking it in the same chemical to maintain freshness and extend its shelf life before selling it for 180,000 VND per kg. Daily, the facility distributed approximately 140 kg of fake beef and 120 kg of chemical-treated frozen beef at Cau market in Dong Hung Thuan ward (formerly District 12) and Tan Tru market in Tan Son ward (formerly Tan Binh district).

To expand operations, Thai hired Nguyen Van Thang to join the production since February this year. During the investigation, both admitted knowing that Sodium Metabisulphite is a banned chemical, but they proceeded with its use for illicit gain.

To date, Thai confessed to having distributed over 15 tons of fake beef and 50 tons of chemical-treated beef, accumulating illicit profits exceeding 9 billion VND.

Fake beef sold at the market. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

According to Ho Chi Minh City Police, Sodium Metabisulfite is a food additive, commonly used as a preservative and antioxidant, but it is not permitted for use in the production or processing of pork and beef products. Police are currently expanding the investigation into the case.

Quoc Thang