Inspections performed by provincial authorities on 10-11 October revealed that seafood and frozen items in a number of native markets in Khammouane Province have been contaminated with formalin.
In response to Khammouane Informationofficers from the Division of Livestock and Fisheries have initiated investigations in Thakhek and Nong Bok districts.
On 10 October authorities monitored three markets in Thakhek district. In Luk Sarm market, inspections at six places recognized extreme formalin ranges in octopus and prawns at Narng Hua seafood retailer, totaling 11.5 kilograms.
Moreover, a number of shops have been discovered to have formalin of their prawn inventory: Moukda Seafood (11 kilograms), Phonevilay Retailer (1 kilogram), and Vilayphone Retailer (6.5 kilograms).
On 11 October, the investigation continued in Nong Bok district at Dong Khoua and Ton Pho markets. The Dong Khoua market was cleared of formalin after testing octopus, frozen hen, and hen hearts. Nonetheless, at Ton Pho, two shops have been recognized with chemical substances: Solaya Retailer (6.5 kilograms of prawns) and Leiw Retailer (1.8 kilograms).
Authorities plan to destroy the contaminated seafood to forestall potential hurt to shoppers and can challenge citations to the offending retailer house owners as warnings.
Related inspections have been not too long ago performed in Champasak Province, the place authorities checked for formalin in varied meals, together with meatballs, hotpots, and frozen seafood at Pakse New Market on 9 October.
Authorities are urging the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious merchandise, whereas reminding distributors of their accountability to supply secure, uncontaminated items. Because the investigation continues, officers stress that immediate motion can be taken in opposition to anybody violating security protocols to safeguard shoppers from potential hurt.
