Chicken feet being bleached in Sam Son. Photo: Lam Son

Chicken feet being bleached in Sam Son. Photo: Lam Son

Two days ago, the Economic Police Department of Thanh Hoa Province, in collaboration with the Thanh Hoa Province Market Management Bureau, conducted a surprise inspection of the Thanh Binh cold storage facility in the Cang Hoi area of Sam Son ward.

Authorities found Nguyen Thi Dieu Hang, 35, residing in Le Chan ward, Hai Phong city, and workers processing a large quantity of frozen chicken feet. According to authorities, the group used Interox ST 50 (H₂O₂) to bleach the chicken feet before freezing and distributing them for consumption.

Over 13 tons of chicken feet were seized. Authorities are testing samples to determine the appropriate course of action.

Interox ST 50 is an industrial chemical containing 50% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), typically used in wastewater treatment and bleaching paper and fabrics. It is not permitted for use in food. Misusing this chemical to bleach vermicelli noodles, bamboo shoots, or pork intestines can cause burns to mucous membranes, damage the digestive system, harm the liver and kidneys, and increase the risk of cancer due to residual strong oxidizing agents in the food. The Ministry of Health strictly prohibits using industrial H₂O₂ in food processing.

Le Hoang