Fake milk is a product that does not guarantee the nutritional composition as announced, and may even contain impurities or additives that are not allowed to be used in food for consumers. Nowadays, the explosion of online shopping has unintentionally created conditions for fake milk to easily infiltrate every family. On social networking platforms, advertisements for cheap imported milk and "shocking" promotions still appear regularly, attracting the attention of uninformed consumers. It is worth mentioning that consumers are easily fooled by cheap prices, even if the difference is only a few tens of thousands of dong, the appearance is similar to the real thing and attractive introductions such as: "hand-carried goods", "clearance goods", "imported milk in stock", milk with gifts... and the consequence is that they have to gamble with their family's health when using fake milk.
Authorities have increased inspections of dairy products at retail stores.
Ms. Vo Tuyet Ngan, Tac Van commune, Ca Mau city, shared: “Facing the news about fake milk and products of unknown origin, processed milk flooding the market, I feel very worried, especially when these products directly affect the health of young children. Through this, I also gradually lost faith in shopping online or in places of unknown reputation. Before, when buying online, I thought that as long as the packaging was nice and the reviews were good, I could feel secure in choosing to buy, but now I can't be subjective."
Through the times when the authorities have destroyed fake milk production and trading establishments reported by the media, it can be seen that the tricks of "fake milk technology" often take place in two common forms: counterfeit production or using real packaging to refill poor quality milk. Many establishments take advantage of used milk cartons, buy them from scrap collection points, then "touch them up" and pour them into floating powdered milk of unknown origin. More sophisticatedly, the criminals also use machines to print anti-counterfeit stamps and barcodes that look exactly like the real thing, and package them with industrial machines, making them very difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Only when the samples are sent for testing do they discover that they do not meet nutritional standards, or are even contaminated with bacteria.
A box of fake milk is not only a matter of commercial fraud, but also has the potential to directly affect public health, especially children and the elderly - the most vulnerable groups. In the fight against fake milk, in addition to the participation of the authorities, it is necessary to be alert and make smart purchases from consumers.
Ms. Tang Kim Ngan, Ward 6, Ca Mau City, said: “As a smart consumer, facing the current situation of fake milk, the first thing you need to do is carefully research information about the milk source you are using for your baby. Choose a reputable milk brand and buy milk products at large stores and supermarkets on the market. Carefully check the barcode, expiry date, anti-counterfeit stamp, most importantly, do not be greedy for cheap prices or buy from places with unknown reputation such as on social networks or small shops without clear feedback. You should pay attention to the taste and color of the milk after mixing, if you find anything unusual, you must stop using it immediately. I hope that the authorities will increase inspection and strict review of milk sources, so that consumers can feel more secure in choosing milk products for their children.”
Currently, in order to limit the facilities that take advantage of purchasing empty milk cans for reuse, many mothers have taken decisive action by using sharp objects such as knives, nails, hammers... to punch holes in the cans before throwing them away. This is also one of the actions of smart consumers, aiming to protect the health of the young generation.
Not only consumers suffer, reputable retailers are also struggling because of the problem of fake milk. Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Bich, a grocery store owner in Ca Mau City, shared: “I always import goods from genuine distributors, but many times customers turn their backs, because they think there are places that sell much cheaper. Meanwhile, fake goods, especially milk, are rampant, making my business extremely difficult, because purchasing power has decreased significantly.”
Fake milk not only does not provide enough nutrients but also has the potential to harm the digestive system, liver, and kidneys, affecting the physical and mental development of young children. If the infection is severe, it can lead to poisoning.
After a series of fake milk production incidents, consumers are increasingly cautious when choosing products for their children.
Dr. Nguyen Kim Loan, Head of the Department of Nutrition, Ca Mau Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, said: "If pregnant women use unsafe nutritional products (including dairy products), it will affect the formation and completion of organs in the fetus's body, with the risk of limitations, defects, and fetal malnutrition. From birth to 24 months of age, it is best for children to be breastfed and properly supplemented when they are 6 months old. But for some reason, children are not breastfed and must drink formula milk. If the formula milk is not of guaranteed quality and is not safe for food hygiene, it will greatly affect their development. Children may be malnourished, underweight, stunted, overweight, obese... at risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, affecting their health later on."
Children, the future generation, need to be protected from harmful products labeled as “nutritional”. To do that, people need to be vigilant, retailers need to be honest and authorities need to be more determined in the fight to eliminate fake milk from the market.
Following the direction of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, the provincial functional departments have conducted inspections and reviews of nutritional foods and functional foods, especially dairy products in the province. According to information from the Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, to date, inspection teams have not discovered any products sold in the area that are on the list of 11 fake milk companies warned by the Department of Food Safety and Hygiene.
Yen Nhi - Huu Nghia
Source: https://baocamau.vn/noi-lo-sua-gia-a39111.html
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