Is the inspection mark on pork harmful?
Is the inspection mark on pork harmful?
When buying pork with an inspection mark on the skin, many people wonder whether the inspection mark is harmful or if they need to remove that piece of skin.
The inspection mark is stamped directly on the pig's skin by the relevant authorities to certify the origin, quality, and safety of the meat product. Without this mark, the pig would not meet the standards to be sold in the market. The inspection mark includes a series number, the date of inspection, and other related information.
Stamping the inspection mark is an important part of the food safety inspection process, helping authorities control the quality and origin of the product from the farm to the consumer's table. This step is done after the slaughter and inspection process is completed, before the meat is distributed and sold.
Seeing the inspection mark on pork assures you that the meat does not come from a diseased pig and has been slaughtered following safety procedures.
Is the inspection mark on pork harmful?
To avoid worry, many people remove the skin with the inspection mark, fearing that consuming the ink could be harmful to health. Is this really necessary, and is the inspection mark harmful? The answer is that you can be completely assured. According to Vietnamese regulations, the ink or materials used to create the inspection mark must be safe and free from harmful substances like lead, mercury, or banned chemicals.
The ink allowed in the food industry is typically food-safe ink or ink free of harmful components, approved by the relevant authorities. Therefore, if the inspection is conducted according to the correct procedure, using legal inks and materials, the inspection mark on pork will not be harmful.
With strict inspection procedures, authorities also ensure that the inspection mark on pork does not affect the quality of the food or harm consumer health. This means that consumers can be confident when seeing the inspection mark on the pork they purchase, as long as it comes from reputable, licensed slaughterhouses and production facilities.
Inspection and certification process
Before being sold on the market, pork goes through a very strict food safety inspection process. The pigs are taken to licensed slaughterhouses, where their health status is checked before slaughter. After slaughter, authorities perform tests for hygiene, bacterial infections, viruses, or other diseases. Factors like veterinary drug residues, antibiotics, and other chemicals are also carefully checked.
When all parameters and results meet the required standards, the pork is given the inspection mark certifying its safety for consumers. This mark proves that the meat has been thoroughly tested and poses no risk to health.
Consumers should carefully check the inspection mark on the product. The mark should be clear, not faded or tampered with. If the mark appears counterfeit, consumers should avoid purchasing that product.
In addition to the inspection mark, consumers should buy pork from reputable slaughterhouses, stores, or markets with food safety certifications. Choosing a clear source helps minimize the risk of buying poor-quality products.
