Sentenced to 2 years in prison for using banned chemicals to soak nearly 2 tons of bean sprouts

Nghe An Provincial People's Court has just opened the first instance trial of defendant Luu Van Trung (born 1997), residing in Vinh Phu ward, Nghe An, for the crime of "Violating food safety regulations".

According to the case file, from April 2024, Trung and his friend contributed capital to set up a bean sprout production facility in Vinh Phu ward to sell to the market. Trung was in charge of the production and care of the bean sprouts from the beginning to the finished product.

Through research on social networks, Trung learned that 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), slang for “candy water”, if used, will stimulate bean sprouts to grow, making the sprouts big, plump, short roots, long stems, beautiful appearance, heavier weight, and high profits. Therefore, Trung contacted a man he met on social networks to buy 10 liters of “candy water”.

Trung mixes the “candy water” into a 1,000 liter water tank, then watered the jars of bean sprouts at the end of the second day and then on the third day (a 5-day bean sprout production process). During the bean sprout production process, while there is still “candy water”, Trung mixes it into well water every day to soak and water the bean sprouts.

Trung’s actions were discovered by the authorities. At the time of the inspection, the authorities discovered more than 1,900 kg of bean sprouts. The liquid Trung used to soak the bean sprouts is not on the list of food additives allowed for use in food, nor is it on the list of pesticides allowed for use.

In court, the defendant testified that he knew that “candy water” was harmful to consumers’ health, but because of greed, he used it to soak bean sprouts to sell on the market. The defendant recognized that his actions were wrong and violated the law, expressed remorse and regret, and asked the court to consider reducing his sentence.

The jury determined that the defendant’s actions were dangerous to society, directly harmed the health of consumers, and caused public panic, so it should be dealt with severely. However, it was also necessary to consider some mitigating circumstances, such as the defendant’s honest confession and remorse.

Considering the case as a whole, the Trial Panel sentenced defendant Luu Van Trung to 24 months in prison for violating food safety regulations.