The Ministry of Public Security has just dismantled a fake milk powder production and trading ring in Hanoi and neighboring provinces. Initially, the Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Police Agency determined that from August 2021 to present, Rance Pharma International Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company and Hacofood Group Nutrition Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company have produced and traded 573 types of milk powder.
Milk for people with diabetes, kidney failure, premature babies, and pregnant women with ingredients declared on the product such as bird's nest extract, cordyceps, macadamia powder... but in reality, it does not contain these substances at all.
In addition, the subjects also entered into joint ventures and partnerships in the form of contributing shares with many other people to establish 9 companies, with the purpose of registering the product lines and directly trading, distributing and consuming products manufactured at the factories of Hacofood and Rance Pharma. In about 4 years, this group consumed various types of milk on the market, bringing in revenue of nearly 500 billion VND.
The information about this fake milk powder case has shocked public opinion, making consumers nationwide in general and Vinh Phuc in particular feel indignant, confused and worried, especially those who are using milk for their children and sick people.
In many groups and forums in Vinh Phuc, milk is becoming a hot topic of discussion. Many people are confused and do not know what type of milk to use to ensure quality. In particular, there are cases where people are extremely worried because they have used milk that is on the list of fake milk that has just been announced.
Ms. Nguyen Phuong Anh, Lien Bao ward, Vinh Yen city shared: When my child was only 1 month old, because he was lactose intolerant (a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products), I took him to a private clinic and was advised by the doctor to drink a more specialized type of milk. When the fake milk production and trading chain was dismantled, I checked the list again and there was a type of milk that I had given my child. Thinking back now, I feel sorry for my child and worry about whether it will affect his health?!
Sharing the same concern about fake milk, Ms. Nguyen Bich Phuong, Dong Tam ward, Vinh Yen city said: "I give my child milk that is not fake, but I cannot tell whether it is genuine or not. I hope the authorities will take drastic action to destroy these chains to protect people's health."
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung, Head of the Vinh Phuc Market Management Department, affirmed that the unit is not responsible for managing related milk products produced by Rance Pharma International Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company and Hacofood Group Nutrition Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company.
“The counterfeit products discovered are not on the list of goods managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade ,” said Mr. Trung. According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is only responsible for managing regular processed milk, not including micronutrient-fortified products, functional foods or pharmaceuticals with special nutritional ingredients. These products are currently under the specialized management of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Industry and Trade does not have the authority to issue business registration certificates to enterprises. The establishment and registration of business operations are carried out by the local Department of Planning and Investment in accordance with the provisions of the Enterprise Law.
Informing the media, a representative of the Department of Health said: In the 3 years from 2021-2023, the Vinh Phuc Branch of Rance Pharma Company and Hacofood Group Company submitted 215 sets of product registration dossiers. From 2024 to present, the Department has not received any dossiers from these two companies. The receipt of product registration dossiers of these companies is carried out according to the general regulations on receiving dossiers.
Affirming that the market management force regularly monitors, supervises and coordinates with relevant agencies to inspect goods, including milk and functional foods, however, because they are not subject to specialized management, the market management force does not conduct periodic inspections or post-inspections on the production and supply activities of these enterprises. In addition, the main distribution channels of these products are on cyberspace as well as familiar associations and groups, causing difficulties for the market management force in inspection work.
“The Market Management Department will strengthen inspection and supervision of the circulation and distribution of dairy products, especially at retail channels, unofficial agents, e-commerce platforms and social networks, where there are many potential risks of counterfeit goods, goods of unknown origin, and poor quality goods.
Along with field inspections, the unit will continue to collect feedback from consumers, and coordinate with the health sector (for quality, standards and food safety) and the agriculture sector (for raw milk and agricultural products) to establish effective solutions to prevent the circulation of fake milk and milk that does not meet quality standards on the market," said Nguyen Duc Trung, Head of the Vinh Phuc Market Management Department.
Up to now, the case is still under investigation. The Ministry of Public Security recommends that people do not use 12 milk products that have been identified as counterfeit and should not use 72 milk products that are still under investigation.
To limit the risk of health effects from poor quality milk products, authorities recommend that consumers should choose to buy milk brands with long-standing reputations, carefully review the information and find out whether the product has been announced or not. For imported products, it is advisable to buy products with Vietnamese sub-labels, imported through official channels.
Article and photos: Thieu Vu
Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/127219/Co-hay-khong-sua-gia-tren-dia-ban-Vinh-Phuc
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