Truong Sy Toan, 57, general director of Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Company, was arrested on January 10 by Hai Phong police. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal collection and storage of a large quantity of diseased pork at the company's cold storage facilities.

According to investigators, Toan, residing in Ha Lam ward, Quang Ninh province, was identified as directly involved in the management and operation of the collection and storage of unsafe pork.

Headquarters of Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Company. Photo: Le Tan.

Three additional employees from the company's Quality Management Department were also arrested on the same day. They are Pham Thi Thuy Lan, 46, deputy head of the department; Bui Thi Thoan, 47, staff member in charge of the raw material quality inspection team; and Lai Thi Thanh Huong, 52, input department staff. These individuals are implicated for their roles in inspecting and evaluating pork quality before it was stored and used in production.

The case began in September 2025 when the Hai Phong City Economic Police Department intercepted two vehicles transporting 1,2 tons of pork of unknown origin. This meat tested positive for the African swine fever virus. Further investigation led authorities to discover approximately 130 tons of diseased frozen pork stored at Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Company's warehouse.

From this meat, the company processed over 1,7 tons of finished pate, yielding approximately 14,000 cans, between September 6 and 7, 2025. Other company products, including over 4,000 kg of cha gio re and over 3,000 kg of cha gio dac biet, also tested positive for African swine fever virus. Furthermore, over 13,000 kg of pork skin and over 8,000 kg of frozen chicken skin were found to be contaminated with Salmonella spp bacteria, a known cause of intestinal diseases.

Authorities traced the diseased meat to suppliers in Hung Yen province, confirming it lacked proper legal documentation. Following a four-month investigation, Hai Phong police had already initiated criminal proceedings against Bui Duc Trong, 46, and eight other individuals for violating food safety regulations. All affected meat and related products were destroyed in November 2025.

The investigative agency continues to clarify the responsibilities of all individuals involved and is expanding the case for further legal prosecution.

Le Tan