Study of Beta-agonists Residual Substances in Pork in Saraburi Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to focus on residual substances in pork and provide
guidelines to solve beta-agonists residual in Saraburi Province. A 125 sample has been collected from
fresh markets, movable markets and food shops across 13 districts for analysing residual
substances of beta-agonists: Salbutamol and Clenbuterol. The results show that two samples
or equivalent to 1.60 percent have been found of having beta-agonists that consist of each
one sample in fresh-food market and free market but have not been found in restaurant.
Comparing with 547 observations drawn by the pig urine from farm in which
four samples (0.7 percent) are reported to be positive. As indicated, although the Royal Thai
Government has implemented policy measures to prevent the use of beta-agonists by farmers,
this has been used illegally in order to feed pork by the farmers who do not realise the risk
of chemical substances associated with consumption. Another limitation is a lacking of monitoring
due to there is no locally testkit equipment and needs to import from overseas. In
addition, current regulations that contain penalties are inappropriate and should be designed
for higher penalties. It is also necessary to coordinate with Department of Medical Science
so that the test equipment can be developed that assist monitoring the chemical substances
in order to gain efficiency and reduce the cost of laboratory.