Shanghai Launches Pork Safety Check
SHANGHAI - In the wake of escalating pork prices, the Shanghai food and drug watchdog has started a series of inspections to prevent unsafe meat products getting into the market.
1 June 2007
2 minute read
The inspections will mainly check for clenobuterol hydrochloride and pork injected with water. The booths and refrigerators used for meat products will also be examined to see whether they have a qualified certificate. Any problems discovered during the inspections will be traced back to suppliers.
Clenobuterol hydrochloride is a drug used to treat bronchial asthma and it has been outlawed because of its side effects. Some farmers use it in breeding pigs to develop more muscles before selling.
In humans, clenobuterol hydrochloride poisoning causes increased heart rates, fatigue, hand tremors and vomiting.
Some sellers may try to make greater profits from the sale of water-injected pork, which increases the weight.
Pork prices in many Chinese cities have rocketed recently because of a shortage of supply.
Shanghai's wholesale pork price has hit more than 16 yuan (US$2.09) a kilogram, up 15 to 20 percent from last month and the highest price in a decade. The retail price hit 22 yuan a kg in supermarkets.
