The Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced 28-year-old Trung, from Ninh Binh, on 29/8 for violating food safety regulations under Article 317 of the Criminal Code.
In court, Trung expressed remorse, admitting to using the banned substance to increase profits and asking for leniency. The judging panel emphasized the danger his actions posed to public health, warranting a strict sentence.
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Defendant Luu Van Trung in court. Photo: Hung Le |
Defendant Luu Van Trung in court. Photo: Hung Le
According to the indictment, Trung co-founded a bean sprout production facility in Vinh Phu ward, formerly part of Vinh City, in 4/2024. He oversaw production and care from soaking to the final product.
Learning that 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), known colloquially as "candy water", could stimulate growth, Trung purchased 10 liters online. He admitted knowing the chemical isn't an approved food additive or plant protection product in Vietnam.
Authorities allege Trung mixed the chemical into a water tank and watered the bean sprouts daily around 6 p.m. He then sold the finished product.
Police raid chemically treated bean sprout facilities in April. Video: Duc Hung
On 11/4, authorities inspected the facility, seizing nearly two tons of bean sprouts and several liters of "candy water".
6-Benzylaminopurine is a banned substance; its use can cause serious health problems, including pulmonary fibrosis and even death.
Duc Hung
