On the night of Tuesday, 18th, Brazilian authorities intercepted a truck on the BR-343 in Campo Maior containing about 1.5 tons of live tilapia. The Federal Highway Police (PRF) conducted a nighttime inspection and discovered that one of the containers used for transporting the fish had previously contained sulfuric acid, a hazardous chemical with numerous industrial applications. Transporting food in containers designed for dangerous products raises serious health risks as these vessels cannot be sanitized effectively enough for safe consumption.

Sulfuric acid is known for being highly corrosive and poses significant health hazards, including severe burns to bodily tissues upon ingestion. The truck was transporting a total of nine containers, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, all marked for the transport of hazardous materials. The law prohibits the reuse of such containers for food items, highlighting the strict regulations surrounding food safety and transportation in Brazil.

The driver was informed that the irregular cargo would be discarded, emphasizing the commitment of the Brazilian authorities to ensuring public safety and food safety standards. This incident raises awareness regarding illegal food transport practices and the potential dangers associated with unsafe agricultural practices, advocating for stricter regulations and better enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future.