Tips

The Rising Pork Prices: Uncovering the Sausage and Meatball Industry’s Secrets

As the Lunar New Year approaches, consumer demands surge, especially with the sudden spike in pork prices. This has caused unease among consumers, who are concerned that sausage and pork patty manufacturers might resort to unscrupulous means to meet market demands while maintaining stable prices.

Administrator

22 July, 2024

Pork cold cuts and sausages are indispensable dishes on every family’s table during the Lunar New Year. However, concerns have been raised among consumers, especially towards the end of the year, about the ingredients and chemical additives used in these products.

Ms. Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Head of Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Management, stated that violations of food safety regulations are more frequent during the festive season, especially for processed products such as sausages and cold cuts made from fresh ingredients.

1 The Dangers of Contaminated Sausages and Cold Cuts

As the Lunar New Year approaches, sausages and cold cuts are among the favorite choices for families to prepare festive dishes or as gifts. However, during this peak season, with the surge in pork prices, there is a risk of shortage in the supply of processed pork products, leading to a potential influx of low-quality items. With the high pork prices in the market on December 26, 2019, ranging from 180,000 to 200,000 VND/kg, makers of sausages and cold cuts were forced to seek alternative sources.

According to surveys of production facilities, while some still manually grind meat upon customer orders, many have adopted machinery in their production processes while ensuring quality. Authorities regularly inspect and tightly control the quality of raw materials. However, due to the increased demand during the festive season, several facilities have evaded authorities by sourcing unverified ingredients for sausage and cold cut production, especially as pork prices soared to their highest levels of the year in recent days.

More worryingly, some producers use low-quality imported frozen meat for sausage casings. Most of these frozen products, when inspected by authorities, were found to be discolored, rancid, and emitting an abnormal odor. If not detected, these tainted meats could end up being processed into sausages and cold cuts sold in the market.

In light of this situation, Dr. Tu Ngữ, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Nutrition Association, advised: “With the current high pork prices, it is challenging to avoid the mixing of unverified products in sausage and cold cut production. Notably, using substandard fat can alter the nutritional value of the final product, negatively affecting consumers’ health.”

2 Health Implications for Consumers

While some sausage and cold cut manufacturers possess food safety certificates, the majority of their raw materials remain of uncertain origins. To make the products chewier, crispier, and longer-lasting, many producers disregard consumers’ health and resort to using banned chemicals in their processing.

According to Master of Science Le Quoc Thinh, Head of the Pharmacy Department at Central Hospital 71, additives accumulate in the body and can cause acute and chronic symptoms, depending on the dosage. Poisoning from additives and chemicals often manifests as digestive disorders, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and discomfort. Regular consumption can damage liver and kidney cells, leading to functional disorders and even cancer.

3 Signs of Unsafe Sausages and Cold Cuts

To identify whether sausages and cold cuts are safe, observe and cut into the product. It should be smooth and moist, with some porous areas. These pores indicate that the product is made from good quality meat, finely ground to a sticky consistency. When boiled or steamed, the inside of the sausage or cold cut should be a characteristic pale pinkish-white.

If the product appears too crumbly when cut, lacks a distinctive aroma, and has a smooth surface without pores, it may be mixed with flour or made from low-quality meat. If it is abnormally crisp, chewy, and smooth, it is likely mixed with industrial gelatin.

Additionally, high-quality sausages and cold cuts have a distinctive flavor, leaving a lingering aftertaste in the throat. When chewed, they should feel tender, not dry or hard. Be cautious if the product has an overpowering aroma, as it may be laced with additives.

With this information, we hope you can better distinguish between safe and contaminated sausages and cold cuts. It is advisable to purchase these products from reputable sources to ensure the health and well-being of your loved ones during the festive season. If you encounter any violations of food hygiene and safety regulations, please report them to the local authorities to prevent the sale of tainted products in the market.

Frequently asked questions

The rising pork prices can be attributed to a number of factors, including increasing demand, higher feed costs, and the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF). The pandemic has also played a role, with supply chain disruptions and labor shortages impacting the industry.

The sausage and meatball industry has felt the impact of rising pork prices, as pork is a key ingredient in their products. To maintain profit margins, some companies may have reduced the weight or size of their products, or increased the price of their goods. Others may have turned to alternative proteins, such as chicken or plant-based options.

One of the industry’s secrets is the use of ‘meat glue’, or transglutaminase, an enzyme that binds pieces of meat together to form a single, solid piece. This allows manufacturers to create uniform products and reduce waste. Another secret is the addition of fillers and binders, such as breadcrumbs, to extend the volume of meat and reduce costs.

Consumers should pay attention to the ingredients list and nutrition label when purchasing sausage and meatball products. Look for products with a higher meat content and avoid those with excessive fillers or additives. Choosing products from reputable companies that prioritize quality and transparency can also ensure you are getting value for your money.

For those concerned about the rising cost of pork, there are alternative protein options available. Plant-based meats have gained popularity and can often be less expensive than animal-based proteins. Consumers can also explore other types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, which may offer more affordable options.