15 tons of pork soaked in blood and banned chemical sold as beef in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY — Authorities have dismantled a major food fraud ring after arresting two men for allegedly transforming 15 tons of pork into counterfeit beef using pig blood and prohibited chemicals.

Nguyen Van Thai, 39, and Nguyen Van Thang, 36, were detained on May 11, 2026, by the Economic Crime Police Department. Investigators reveal that the operation had been active since 2024, flooding local markets with chemically altered meat to secure high profit margins.

The Transformation Process
According to police, the scheme relied on a multi-step chemical process to deceive consumers:

Sourcing: Thai purchased sow thigh meat at approximately VND110,000 per kilogram.

The Chemical Soak: The pork was soaked in a solution of sodium metabisulfite. This chemical served to break down the pork's fibrous texture and mask its natural odor.

Coloring: Once sliced thin, the meat was soaked in pig blood to replicate the deep red hue characteristic of authentic beef.

Distribution: The counterfeit product was sold to wholesalers for VND150,000 per kilogram, while genuine beef typically commands a much higher price.

In addition to the fake beef, the duo reportedly treated low-grade frozen beef with the same chemical to artificially extend its shelf life and maintain its color, selling it for VND180,000 per kilogram.

Scale and Illicit Profits
The facility was highly productive, moving roughly 260 kilograms of treated meat into the market daily. Over the course of the operation, police estimate the pair distributed more than 15 tons of counterfeit beef and 50 tons of chemically soaked frozen beef. The illegal enterprise is believed to have generated profits exceeding VND9 billion (US$341,800).

Health Risks and Regulations
The primary chemical used, sodium metabisulfite, is strictly prohibited for use in fresh meat under Vietnamese food safety regulations. While used legally in some countries for dried fruits or wine, it is banned in fresh produce and meats because it can mask the smell of spoilage, making rotten meat appear fresh. Furthermore, sulfites can trigger life-threatening allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with asthma.

A Growing Trend
This bust is the second of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City in less than six months. In December 2025, a similar ring was dismantled for producing 600 kilograms of fake beef daily for 75 local restaurants. Authorities expressed concern that the repetition of this specific "recipe" suggests the illicit technique is becoming a systemic issue within the region's food supply chain.

The investigation is now expanding to identify the wholesalers and market vendors who knowingly purchased and resold the toxic products to the public.