Banana flower processing facility in Da Nang discovered using bleaching chemicals

Police discovered a facility in Dien Ban ward, Da Nang city, was processing banana flowers with signs of using chemicals to bleach them before distributing them to the market.

Number of banana flowers and bleaching powder at the facility - Photo: Provided by the police

Implementing the direction of the Director of Da Nang City Police and Dien Ban Ward People's Committee on strengthening inspection and handling of violations in the field of food production, processing and trading, Dien Ban Ward Police have regularly reviewed and grasped the situation in the area.

The Ward Police Working Group has just inspected a food processing facility in Block 4, Dien Ban Ward, Da Nang City.

At the scene, it was discovered that this facility was processing banana flowers with signs of using chemicals to bleach them before distributing them to the market.

The owner of the facility, Ms. TTM (47 years old, residing in Hai Chau ward, Da Nang city) could not present a business registration certificate, nor a certificate of the facility meeting food safety and hygiene conditions.

Authorities seized 1.41 kg of unlabeled white powder (Ms. M. stated it was meta to bleach banana flowers), 3 bottles of chemical solution to soak banana flowers, and 7.4 kg of banana flowers that had been treated with chemicals.

Initially, Ms. M. admitted to using the above substance to soak banana flowers that night.

Police inspected Mrs. M's banana flower processing facility. - Photo: Provided by the police

The results of the forensic examination by the Institute of Criminal Science in Da Nang City determined that the chemical Ms. M. used was Sodium Metabisulfite, an additive that can be used in food, but if abused, exceeding the permitted threshold, it will be harmful to the health of consumers.

Dien Ban Ward Police are continuing to request an appraisal of the chemical content in the processed banana flowers to handle them in accordance with legal regulations.

According to the City Police, the above incident is a stern warning about the reality that some establishments, for the sake of profit, disregard public health, use chemicals to "transform" food, and deceive consumers.

If Sodium Metabisulfite is used beyond the prescribed level, users may experience symptoms of respiratory irritation, digestive disorders, and even in the long term, there is a potential risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Mrs. M's banana flower processing facility - Photo: Provided by the police

Pre-processed banana flowers - Photo: Provided by the police

LE TRUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-co-so-so-che-hoa-chuoi-o-da-nang-su-dung-hoa-chat-tay-trang-20250826115905512.htm