Department chief Preecha Somboonprasert said a team of livestock officials would file a complaint against owners of some pig farms in Chon Buri province found to have illegally used beta-agonist, reports Bangkok Post.

The use of such a substance would be harmful to consumers, he said. Some firms had smuggled in beta-agonist to sell to pig farms.

Health officials warned consumption of meat tainted with the substance over a long period could cause fatal heart conditions.

Mr Preecha said the department would send teams of officials to inspect pig farms nationwide. Those found to use the substance would be liable to a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 10,000 baht.

Mr Preecha said the law might be amended to impose harsher punishment against pig farms using the illegal chemical agent.