Authorities in Hai Phong discovered about 126 tons of diseased pork in the warehouse of Ha Long Canned Food Company, including two tons of finished canned pate. According to the Hai Phong Fisheries, Livestock, and Veterinary Department, samples from the meat tested positive for african swine fever.

After the positive test results, authorities and the company cooperated to recall all products related to the contaminated ingredients for destruction. The Hai Phong Fisheries, Livestock, and Veterinary Department disinfected the area to prevent the spread of the disease in Hai Phong.

Headquarters of Ha Long Canned Food Company at 71 Le Lai street, Ngo Quyen ward, Hai Phong city. *Photo: Le Tan*

Authorities stated that two suppliers collected all the diseased meat from six individuals in Hung Yen. None of them provided valid legal documents for the goods.

Investigating the incident, Hai Phong Police indicted Bui Duc Trong, 46, residing on Da Nang street, Ngo Quyen ward, and eight others for violating food safety regulations.

According to police allegations, the defendants had been buying diseased pork for the past six months. When selling to the company, they falsely declared the origin of the goods to avoid quarantine certificates and legalized the origin by using documents registered with slaughterhouses for other purchases.

This morning, Ha Long Canned Food Company had not yet released official information regarding the incident. Company leaders cited busy schedules and had not yet met with the press requesting information.

Ha Long Canned Food Company was established in 1957 in Hai Phong, originally named Ha Long Canned Fish Factory. It currently operates three factories. The company is a leading enterprise in the country's processed food sector, producing items like canned meat, canned fish, and sausages.

According to publicly available company information, the company strictly adheres to professional standards and conditions in production practices and food hygiene and safety, along with various international standards for exporting agricultural products and food.

Authorities are continuing to expand the investigation to determine the responsibility of those involved.

*Le Tan*