JavaScript is off. Please enable to view full site.

Vietnam punishes editors over fish sauce story scandal

Vietnam punishes editors over fish sauce story scandal

Tuesday, December 06, 2016, 08:12 GMT+7

Vietnam on Monday punished two editors of a major newspaper which had earlier been fined for publishing what authorities said were false reports on toxic fish sauce.

Deputy chief editor of Thanh Nien newspaper Dang Ngoc Hoa, and senior executive Vo Van Khoi had their press cards revoked, Vietnam's information and communication ministry said.

This comes after Thanh Nien was fined for reporting on a food scare that received widespread coverage mid-October.

The ministry said the cards were withdrawn because the two had been punished by the newspaper following the fish sauce scandal.

Hoa was warned while Khoi was relieved of his position.

In Vietnam, fish sauce is consumed daily by most of the country's population of 93 million -- as a dipping sauce, marinade or in soups.

A total of 50 news organisations were fined in November for running reports about high arsenic levels found in fish sauce, causing widespread panic.

Thanh Nien newspaper received the highest fine.

Authorities said the reports were misleading or incorrect because they failed to differentiate between highly toxic inorganic arsenic, and the less dangerous organic variety found commonly in seafood.

Food scares have been a regular source of anxiety in Vietnam, often leading to public anger.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

AFP/TUOI TRE NEWS

More

Read more

;

Photos

VIDEOS

‘Taste of Australia’ gala dinner held in Ho Chi Minh City after 2-year hiatus

Taste of Australia Gala Reception has returned to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Vietnamese woman gives unconditional love to hundreds of adopted children

Despite her own immense hardship, she has taken in and cared for hundreds of orphans over the past three decades.

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta celebrates spring with ‘hat boi’ performances

The art form is so popular that it attracts people from all ages in the Mekong Delta

Latest news