Eight-Month Beef Additive Crackdown Nets 967 Cattle
An eight-month crackdown on illegal beef additives has netted 967 cattle and over 32 million baht in seized assets, preventing approximately 125 tonnes of contaminated meat from reaching consumers in Thailand.
The Agricultural and Food Security Command, working with the Central Investigation Police, has seized illegal growth-promoting additives before they could reach beef markets. Authorities confiscated 967 cattle and goods valued at over 32 million baht.
Sarawut Neuangchamnongk, secretary to the Agriculture Minister and commander of the Agricultural and Food Security Command, announced the operation at the Central Investigation Police headquarters following a joint briefing with veterinary officials and the National Agricultural Product and Food Standards Office. Under Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit's directive, the Command has coordinated an integrated enforcement operation to intercept illegal agricultural commodity trafficking. Department of Livestock officials worked with the Consumer Protection Enforcement Division under the command of Central Investigation Police Commissioner General Natthsakdi Chownaset to conduct an ongoing eight-month campaign targeting red meat growth promoters. Investigators found the additives in cattle meat, livestock farms, animal feed, and markets, recovering 967 animals and 32.36 million baht in seized assets. Authorities also arrested source-level distributors and found approximately 80 million baht in cash.
The operation prevented the introduction of approximately 125 tonnes of contaminated beef and cattle into the consumer food chain before harm occurred. The Command and its officers continue investigating related parties, distribution channels, and networks that may lead to higher-level perpetrators for full legal prosecution.
Dr. Somchuan Rattanmangklananth, Director of the Department of Livestock, stated that beta-agonist growth promoters such as salbutamol are dangerous drugs strictly prohibited in animal feed because residues can accumulate in meat and directly harm consumers, particularly those with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnant women, and children. Consumption of meat containing residual promoters may cause irregular heartbeat, tremors, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, and severe cases may be life-threatening. Using growth promoters or banned chemicals in animal feed is a criminal offense. The Department urged consumers to purchase meat from reliable sources bearing the Department of Livestock's "Livestock OK" certification mark for consumer and public safety.
