Gov`t destroys Chinese beef products contaminated with banned substance

SEOUL, April 27 (Yonhap) -- The government on Monday ordered the destruction of
Chinese beef products tainted with a substance that can cause rapid pulse,
dizziness and heart-related disorders.
Imported sauce and soup from three Chinese companies have tested positive for
Clenbuterol, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said.
The discovery follows confirmation that the chemical, used in drugs to treat
asthma for humans, was found in beef stock imported from China earlier in the
month that prompted Seoul to request a temporary suspension of exports from the
country of condensed meat-based products.
Clenbuterol is often prescribed to people suffering from breathing disorders but
is prohibited from being given to animals as it is known to enhance muscle tone,
which can increase the weight of livestock and fetch higher prices.
The KFDA said that it found 0.6-2.6 parts per million of the chemical in beef
seasoning oil, soups and other beef-based products made from such companies as
Chang Chun Haein Food and Qingzhou Hengtai Food.
It said a recall order has been issued for the products with those collected to
be tested and destroyed as a preventative measure.
The health authority said the contaminated products found in the latest screening
are part of the larger shipment totaling 189 tons.
"A recall and sales ban has been in effect since April 9, with retailers and
other distributors ordered not to sell the products until they have been checked
by labs," a government official said. He added, however, that products that
showed no traces of the drug can be sold on the market.
Experts say that although the drug is not tolerated in food, the quantities
detected so far are not enough to pose any health risk.
The KFDA said the latest discovery has made a detailed quarantine and inspection
of all Chinese-made food products for Clenbuterol imperative.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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