100,000 livestock farmers say no to banned substances.

That is the goal of the campaign program signed on April 20th in Hanoi by the Department of Animal Husbandry (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the Vietnam Livestock Association, the International Agricultural Nutrition Corporation (ANCO), and the Vietnam-France Animal Feed Production Corporation (PROCONCO).

Proliferation of banned substances

The widespread use of banned beta-agonist growth-promoting substances (clenbuterol, salbutamol, ractopamine) in pig farming has caused public concern, significantly impacting public health and negatively affecting the development of the domestic livestock industry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in coordination with other ministries, agencies, and localities, has implemented a series of decisive and comprehensive solutions to gradually prevent and definitively resolve the problem of using banned substances in livestock farming.

Livestock farmers will be encouraged not to use banned substances, aiming to build a clean livestock farming system...

Representatives from the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that since November 2015, the Ministry has coordinated with the Environmental Crime Prevention Police Force (C49, Ministry of Public Security) to establish numerous special cases to inspect pig farms and breeding facilities nationwide, investigating and dismantling a series of networks involved in the trading and use of banned substances in livestock farming. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health has directed a temporary halt to the import of salbutamol raw materials and proposed adding raw materials and drugs banned for use in other fields to the list of "drugs requiring special control" under the amended Law on Pharmaceuticals.

Along with rigorous measures to prevent the use of banned substances from import, production, distribution, and consumption, penalties for violations related to the use of banned substances have also been increased. Dr. Hoang Thanh Van, Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, stated: “From July 1, 2016, criminal penalties will be applied to violations. Individuals and organizations using banned chemicals and additives in food and animal feed will be subject to administrative fines ranging from 50 to 200 million VND, imprisonment from 1 to 5 years, and in serious cases, fines of up to 1 billion VND and imprisonment for 20 years.”

Using banned substances in livestock farming: May result in life imprisonment. From July 1st, cases involving the use or production of banned substances in livestock farming will be punishable by life imprisonment, raising hopes for a reduction in the use of banned substances.

Livestock farmers say no to banned substances.

The campaign "100,000 livestock farmers commit to not using banned substances" will run from April 20, 2016 to December 31, 2016 nationwide, with main activities including mobilizing 100,000 livestock farmers to sign a commitment not to use banned substances; organizing a series of training courses to disseminate safe and efficient pig farming techniques; and raising awareness through mass media.

Continuing its decisive actions from the past year, in 2016 the Department of Animal Husbandry will intensify efforts to secure commitments from livestock farmers nationwide to refrain from using banned substances. The Department of Animal Husbandry is officially collaborating with the Vietnam Livestock Association, ANCO Company, and PROCONCO Company in the campaign "100,000 Livestock Farmers Commit to Not Using Banned Substances." Dr. Doan Xuan Truc – Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Livestock Association – stated: “This program not only demonstrates the determination of government agencies from the central to local levels and social organizations, but also reflects the responsibility to the community and the commendable efforts of livestock businesses in supporting farmers to create quality, safe products, ensuring the interests of farmers and protecting consumer health.”

According to Mr. Pham Trung Lam – General Director of ANCO and PROCONCO companies: “The program aims to raise awareness among livestock farmers about absolutely not using banned substances in livestock farming and to disseminate safe and effective livestock farming solutions... This will help farmers feel secure in pursuing legitimate wealth, aiming to build a clean and sustainable livestock industry to protect consumer health, while creating competitiveness in quality and price with imported meat products as the livestock industry is in the process of integration.”

According to danviet.vn