On May 19, Bac Giang provincial police announced an investigation into Tan’s use of unapproved chemicals to produce large quantities of bean sprouts sold to consumers in Bac Giang City.

Previously, on May 8, the Investigation Police Agency of Bac Giang Police issued a decision to prosecute a criminal case, prosecute the suspect, and impose a travel ban on Nguyen Van Tan (born 1983), residing at Tran Khat Chan 1 Street, Tho Xuong Ward, Bac Giang City, for “violating food safety regulations.”

During a routine inspection of food safety compliance, the Economic Crimes Division of Bac Giang Police, in coordination with relevant authorities, discovered and seized over 2 tons of bean sprouts aged 1 to 4 days, as well as tools and chemicals used in their production. Items found included plastic containers, sprouting mats, metal rods, and plastic bags containing white powder and liquid growth solutions.

Investigators determined that from January until the date of discovery, Tan used 6-Benzylaminopurine, a synthetic cytokinin not approved for food production, to stimulate the rapid growth of bean sprouts. This substance is not on the list of additives permitted in food manufacturing in Vietnam.

Tan’s facility reportedly produced an average of 500 kg of bean sprouts per day. By the time of detection, an estimated 60 tons of chemically treated sprouts had already been distributed to the market.

Bao Khanh