Smuggled MSG is flooding back into the Central region through border gates.

According to information from market management agencies in the Central region, smuggled MSG under the brand name “Cai Muong” is continuing to recur in many local wholesale markets such as Dong Ha and Dien Sanh markets (Quang Tri), Dong Ba and An Cuu markets (Thua Thien Hue), and Cong Doan and Dong Hoi markets (Quang Binh).

There is no Vietnamese information on the packaging.

This “Cai Muong” brand MSG is produced by THAI FERMENTATION IND. CO.,LTD., in Thailand and transported to Laos. From here, “Cai Muong” brand MSG is smuggled across the border between Vietnam and Laos, then transported by road to markets in the domestic market of Vietnam for consumption. On the packaging of this smuggled “Cai Muong” brand MSG, there is no information in Vietnamese about the origin, origin, label or product ingredients as well as expiration date..., but the price is not cheap compared to genuine MSG produced domestically, even more expensive by about 5,000 VND/500g package.

The packaging of smuggled MSG "Cai Muong" brand does not have any information in Vietnamese.

However, due to the foreign-oriented mentality of the people, this type of MSG is very popular in the Central region. Being a “familiar customer” of the “Cai Muong” brand MSG at Dien Sanh market, Ms. T. A said that although she did not understand the words printed on the packaging, she still trusted it because “this is a Thai product”.

Many potential health risks

According to nutrition experts, spices such as MSG of unknown origin, illegally imported, and not inspected for quality by authorities, can be harmful to consumers' health.

Dr. Tran Thi Kim Chi - Head of Nutrition Department - Gia Dinh People's Hospital said: " The immediate harm to consumers' health is acute poisoning or allergies from impure ingredients in smuggled MSG products that can cause consumers, within a short period of time after use, to have symptoms such as headache, dizziness, even nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain... And even more dangerous, the hidden part of the iceberg that we do not know is long-term chronic poisoning, which can affect important organs in the body, leading to liver failure, kidney failure or even for many years there may be toxic substances, harmful chemicals that are carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer ."

The quality of smuggled MSG “Cai Muong” brand has not been tested but is still sold openly.

In addition to the smuggled MSG “Cải Mương” brand, there are also fake MSG of this smuggled MSG on the market. If smuggled MSG is not safe for food hygiene, then fake MSG of smuggled MSG poses even more risks to consumers’ health.

Not only affecting the health of consumers, smuggled MSG also causes damage to the country's economy, because this type of MSG is imported into Vietnam through unofficial channels, not only does it not ensure tax revenue for the state but also affects legitimate businesses.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/bot-ngot-nhap-lau-lai-tran-ve-mien-trung-qua-cac-cua-khau-bien-gioi-327944.html