Vietnam’s grocery chain Bach Hoa Xanh recalled all bean sprouts whose producer used a prohibited chemical in production and suspended the sale of the supplier’s product, the chain affirmed in a document sent to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper late last week.

The chain said it had initiated a test on all bean sprouts offered at its stores.

Earlier, authorities in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak inspected six bean sprout production facilities in Buon Ma Thuot City, including two facilities of Lam Van Dao – a supplier of bean sprouts to Bach Hoa Xanh.

Police detected and seized over 20.3 metric tons of bean sprouts soaked in 6-Benzylaminopurine and 37 plastic cans containing 135 liters of 6-Benzylaminopurine, a first-generation synthetic cytokinin that elicits plant growth and development responses, from the six facilities.

6-Benzylaminopurine is banned from food production due to its harm to human health. Pregnant women inhaling or being exposed to 6-Benzylaminopurine for a long time can result in low birth weight, hydrocephalus, and birth defects.

People may die if they digest a large volume of food contaminated with 6-Benzylaminopurine.

Bach Hoa Xanh claimed that Lam Van Dao supplied only two percent of bean sprouts at its stores in Dak Lak, adding that it was coordinating with local authorities to clarify the case.

The chain noted that it always gives top priority to food safety and hygiene. 

Suppliers have to provide required legal documents to supply products to Bach Hoa Xanh, the chain stated in the document sent to Tuoi Tre.

Late last week, police in Dak Lak launched legal proceedings against four people for using 6-Benzylaminopurine in bean sprout production, including Lam Van Dao, Vu Duy Tu, Nguyen Van Quynh, and Nguyen Van Hao.

They were charged with violating food safety regulations.

They have sold some 2,900 metric tons of bean sprouts soaked in 6-Benzylaminopurine so far this year.

The suspects admitted to supplying bean sprouts wholesale to agents at Tan Hoa Wholesale Market in Buon Ma Thuot City, who then distributed them to other areas.

Lam Van Dao delivered 350-400 kilograms of bean sprouts daily to Bach Hoa Xanh.

His products were marketed with labels claiming, 'For everyone’s health,' 'No chemicals,' 'No stimulants,' and 'No preservatives.'

According to Dak Lak police, if the 135 liters of 6-Benzylaminopurine was not confiscated, the six facilities could produce some 675 metric tons of bean sprouts and sell them at VND18.7 billion (US$733,773).

Police are expanding the investigation into the case.

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