Ho Chi Minh City police on 27/1 temporarily detained Huynh Van Truong, 47, to investigate violations of food safety regulations.

Huynh Van Truong (in a T-shirt) listens to his arrest warrant being read. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Previously, inspecting an unmarked food processing facility on Rach Cat Ben Luc street, Binh Dong ward, police discovered over 3 tons of processed snail meat soaked in sodium silicate solution, also known as liquid glass.

During a search of the facility, investigators seized over 1,5 tons of chemicals. Examination results confirmed that all the snails contained sodium silicate. This industrial chemical is primarily used in brick and cement production, possesses strong alkaline properties, causes damage to the digestive system, and is strictly prohibited in food processing.

Police caught the facility soaking snails in industrial chemicals. Video: Ho Chi Minh City Police

At the investigative agency, Truong admitted to using approximately 500 tons of sodium silicate to process 3,000 tons of snail meat since 2021, illicitly earning billions of dong.

Police are expanding the investigation to clarify the roles of individuals who aided in distributing this contaminated food and the entities that supplied the illegal chemicals.

The Economic Police Department advises residents to report any suspected food safety violations immediately to the nearest police authority for action.

This move by the investigative agency comes as Ho Chi Minh City Police launch a peak period crackdown on crime and food safety violations during the 2026 Tet holiday.

Quoc Thang