Situation of Beta Agonist in Pork Sold in Fresh Markets and Supermarkets in Bangkok

Abstract

Background: Consumers prefer to choose fresh red-coloured pork because it gives a fresher feeling than pork with a natural light pink colour. This results in sellers having to select pork with these characteristics to sell, which then affects the farmers choose to use red meat enhancers to meet the market demand. Currently, farmers use of red meat enhancers in pigs, cattle, and poultry to help animals reduce fat accumulation, and stimulate red meat production, which may be dangerous for consumers if the residues of these substances are consumed.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the situation of red meat enhancer residues in fresh pork samples sold in fresh markets and supermarkets in the Bangkok metropolitan area and to study based on 3 different zone in Bangkok.

Methods: The study was conducted by using the Salbutamol detection kit (B Smart Sci). Convenient sampling was used to collect 140 fresh pork samples from supermarkets and fresh markets in Bangkok during a period of 5 October to 5 November, 2022.

Results: The result showed that there were Salbutamol residues in more than 10 ppb in 99 samples, accounting for 71.22% of the samples, consisting of 43 samples (59.72%) from supermarkets and 56 samples (83.58%) from fresh markets. Salbutamol residues were detected in samples from inner Bangkok area 49 samples (72.05%), middle Bangkok 29 samples (65.90%) and outer Bangkok 21 samples (75.00%).

Conclusions: 71.22% of fresh pork sold in supermarkets and fresh markets in Bangkok contained Salbutamol residues more than 10 ppb. Salbutamol resides were detected in the samples from outer Bangkok area the most (75.00%), followed by inner Bangkok area (72.05%) and middle Bangkok area (65.90%) respectively. Consuming meat with Salbutamol residues  may pose a health risk to consumers. Food safety inspection for fresh pork should be consistently implemented in Bangkok area.