On April 19, the Division of Investigation of Crimes related to Corruption, Economy, and Smuggling under Nghe An Provincial Police announced it had launched a criminal investigation and temporarily detained four individuals: Luu Manh Huong (born 1993) and Luu Van Trung (born 1997), both residents of Truc Hung commune, Truc Ninh district, Nam Dinh province; as well as Tran Khac Duy (born 1990) and Nguyen Van Huong (born 1998), both residing in Vinh Tan ward, Vinh City.

According to the investigative agency, these individuals operated bean sprout production facilities that violated food safety regulations.

After a period of investigation, the economic and anti-corruption police unit coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct simultaneous inspections at four bean sprout production facilities in Vinh City.

During the inspections, authorities seized 2,000 containers of various types of bean sprouts, amounting to about 25 tons in total; 25 liters of pure “candy water” chemical solution (scientifically named 6-Benzylaminopurine); 150 liters of diluted solution used in the production of bean sprouts; and other related materials.

According to authorities, 6-Benzylaminopurine is a banned substance in food production. When applied to the bean sprout containers during production, it can have serious health consequences. Exposure may lead to severe conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or even death.

The suspects admitted to using the chemical to make the bean sprouts appear larger, with thicker stems, shorter roots, and a more appealing appearance for higher profit margins. From 2024 until the time of arrest, they had produced and sold approximately 3,500 tons of chemically treated bean sprouts to the market.

The case is still under active investigation.

Thien Luong