Over 8,500 pigs impounded after being tested for enhancing meat color substances 

The seizure of the pigs for further lab tests was the outcome of a raid of nine pig farms in Ratchaburi by about 100 officials from the Livestock Development led by the department’s deputy chief Mr Chirasak Pipattanapongsophon following a tipoff from informants about suspected use of banned chemicals in pigs.

Urine samples from the impounded pigs will be sent for tests at the department’s laboratory and if it is confirmed that meat coloring enhancement chemicals were used by the four pig farms, legal action will be taken against them, said Mr Sorawit Thaneeto, the inspector-general and acting Livestock Development Department.

He also urged members of the public or any individuals who knew which pig farms use the banned substances to feed their pigs to inform the department via mobile phone application “DL 4.0”.

Using banned substances to make meat fresher and red is liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years and/or a maximum fine of 60,000 baht.