Gov't to destroy tainted Chinese beef stock

SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) -- The government on Friday said it will destroy 161
tons of Chinese condensed beef stock contaminated with a banned substance that
can cause rapid pulse and stomach and heart-related disorders.
The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said detailed tests
confirmed minute traces of Clenbuterol in 34 out of 62 shipments screened.
The country imported 827 tons of Chinese beef stock this year, of which 332 tons
were checked in the past few days. The remaining 495 tons have already been sold
and consumed on the market.
Ministry officials said that tests showed Clenbuterol levels reaching 0.2-7.7
parts per billion, which is not enough to pose health risks to ordinary adults or
children.
Seoul initially reported findings traces of the substance in two shipments
totaling 3.5 tons on April 7, followed by a second conformation on Tuesday.
Authorities have since called on China not to export beef stock until they
discover how the chemical got into the product. It has also temporarily banned
sales of other imported stock so it can be screened.
Clenbuterol is often prescribed to people suffering from breathing disorders such
as asthma, but is prohibited from being given to animals as it is known to
enhance muscle tone. Greater muscle tone can increase the weight of livestock,
fetching higher prices.
Beef stock is normally diluted and used to make food additives, processed food
and various beef-based soups and broths sold in restaurants.
The ministry, meanwhile, said that those products that have passed examination
will be released so they can be sold on the market. Examinations of other Chinese
meat products such as smoked duck and sausage showed no signs of the drug, it
added.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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