Danger from MSG of unknown origin

Currently, the market is flooded with MSG powder that is divided and decanted without clear origin, showing signs of violating labeling instructions.

MSG market turmoil

According to a survey by reporters from the Industry and Trade Newspaper, there are more than 30 brands of MSG on the food additive market that are mixed, decanted and repackaged by individuals and organizations. These products are being sold openly not only in traditional markets, grocery stores, e-commerce platforms but also in large supermarkets.

More than 30 brands of monosodium glutamate are divided, decanted, and repackaged and sold widely in the market. (Illustration photo)

The common feature of these products is that they do not clearly state the origin or production address, violating the mandatory regulations under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP of the Government on product labels.

Information from the packaging of more than 30 of these products shows that these MSG brands of unknown origin were packaged in 9 localities, specifically:

Localities (provinces/cities) have organizations and individuals that are dividing and repackaging MSG without labeling the origin or with unknown origin.	Number of organizations and individuals are dividing and repackaging MSG without labeling its origin or unknown source	The number of MSG brands that are divided and repackaged by organizations and individuals without clear origin and origin are being sold on the market.
In Hanoi	There are 8 organizations and individuals	Divide and pack into 9 brands of MSG
In Ho Chi Minh	There are 8 organizations and individuals	Divide and pack into 10 brands of MSG
In Danang	There are 2 organizations and individuals	Divide and pack into 2 brands of MSG
In Vinh Phuc	There are 2 organizations and individuals	Divide and pack into 2 brands of MSG
In Gia Lai	There is 1 organization, individual	Divide and pack into 2 brands of MSG
In An Giang	There is 1 organization, individual	Divide and pack into 1 brand of MSG
In Quang Tri	There is 1 organization, individual	Divide and pack into 1 brand of MSG
In Binh Dinh	There is 1 organization, individual	Divide and pack into 1 brand of MSG
In Binh Duong	There is 1 organization, individual	Divide and pack into 1 brand of MSG

Previously, the MSG market was shaken by a series of cases of fake MSG and MSG san chia. Specifically, on April 26, Famimoto Vietnam Co., Ltd. was raided by Phu Tho Police and discovered 40 tons of fake MSG and more than 1,220 tons of MSG san chia, packaged with signs of violating labeling instructions.

Phu Tho Provincial Police raided and seized fake MSG of unknown origin from Famimoto Vietnam Co., Ltd. on April 24. (Photo: Phu Tho Provincial Police)

In early April, the Food Safety Department - Ministry of Health requested to temporarily suspend the circulation of 4 batches of MSG products of Lien Sen Company in Ho Chi Minh City with the label "packaged in Vietnam" but without clearly stating the origin. According to the authorities, this unit does not produce MSG in Vietnam but only imports raw materials from China and repackages them, but the packaging does not clearly state this.

The above incidents sound the alarm about the ambiguous labeling of imported MSG and spices that are "dressed" as Vietnamese.

Closely monitor the fight against repackaged MSG of unknown origin in each locality

Recently, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting with relevant ministries and agencies on the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, production and circulation of counterfeit goods, fake goods, goods of unknown origin, and violations of intellectual property rights.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister requested to resolutely fight to prevent, repel and eventually end this situation, first of all launching a peak attack nationwide, within 1 month from May 15 to June 15, to protect the legitimate rights and interests of people and businesses, contributing to serving social and economic development, promoting growth, ensuring security and safety, taking care of people's health and lives.

MSG is a familiar spice in the daily meals of millions of families. Therefore, it is impossible to let the situation of MSG packaged with unknown origin, fake MSG of poor quality, this health risk creep into people's meals. In each locality, the inspection and handling work of the authorities needs to be strongly promoted, promptly handled to push back and eventually end this situation.

In addition to affecting people's health, the widespread situation of MSG being divided and repackaged also has a great impact on legitimate businesses. These units only need to import and simply package without investing in infrastructure, while domestic manufacturing enterprises must invest heavily in factories, equipment and raw materials, causing them to lose their competitive advantage.

Back of MSG packaging, divided and closed (left) and MSG produced directly in Vietnam (right).

With the upcoming campaign and strong involvement of the Government, it is hoped that not only MSG but all products with unknown origins will soon be handled, contributing to purifying the market and ensuring the rights of consumers and businesses.

Meanwhile, consumers should also protect themselves and their families by carefully checking product information before purchasing to avoid buying repackaged, unlabeled products of unknown origin.

The back of the packaging for divided and repackaged products usually has the following information printed on it: Packed at, or Packing facility, or Mixed at, or Finished at… For products manufactured directly in Vietnam, the back of the packaging only shows one of the following information: Origin: Vietnam, or Made in: Company name and address in Vietnam.

Eagle

Source: https://congthuong.vn/moi-nguy-tu-bot-ngot-khong-ro-nguon-goc-xuat-xu-388520.html