After the fake milk scandal: Be careful to keep trust in the market

Buy a carton of milk, bring with you worries

Late in the afternoon, Ms. Hang (36 years old, Cau Giay, Hanoi) stopped in front of a familiar milk store on Nguyen Khanh Toan Street. In her hand was a box of powdered milk for babies, a product she had bought many times, but this time, she was not in a hurry but carefully turned the bottom of the box, looked up the barcode, and scanned the QR code with her phone.

“Nowadays, no one dares to buy milk easily. Fake milk is now sophisticated. If you are unlucky enough to buy it, you will lose both money and health, and the children will be the first to suffer the consequences, ” Ms. Hang shared.

Ms. Hang's vigilance reflects the common sentiment of millions of consumers after authorities discovered nearly 600 types of fake, low-quality milk.

Consumers are forced to be skeptical and check milk information before buying.

Surveying at the Kids Plaza mother and baby store (Cau Giay district), Ms. Lan, a consultant, said: “Right after the fake milk news, many customers brought old boxes to ask if they were on the list of violations. They checked each code, asked for documents, and many even recorded videos of the unpacking process.”

Sales have not decreased, but buyers' psychology has changed significantly. "Now everyone is more careful. Ask about import papers, inspection commitments, and keep invoices so that if there is a problem, they can claim their rights," Ms. Lan added.

Legitimate businesses get caught up in the mess

Many agents and retailers have suffered consequences even though they were not involved in the incident.

“I have been doing honest business for over 10 years, only importing goods from authorized distributors. But recently, customers have been looking at me with suspicion. The feeling of being lumped together is really hurtful,” said Tran Van Long, owner of a milk store in Dong Da district.

To reassure consumers, major retail chains such as Kids Plaza, Con Cung, Bibo Mart... have proactively sent out commitment messages on their official fanpages and at points of sale.

Kids Plaza commits to 100% genuine milk, with full invoices and labels on fanpage.

Kids Plaza posted an article: “Currently, the market has many types of powdered milk with different prices and labels, making parents confused when choosing. Mothers need a reputable and trustworthy place to feel secure every time they buy milk for their children. At Kids Plaza, parents can be completely assured that the milk comes from famous, long-standing brands in the world, 100% genuine, with full invoices and labels, stored under standard conditions, keeping all the nutrients intact.”

Similarly, a Bibo Mart representative affirmed: “All dairy products, from domestic to imported, have clear documents, and are ready to provide soft copies if requested by customers. There is nothing to hide if we make and sell real products.”

Tighten post-control, gradually stabilize the market

It is important to recognize that the case of 600 types of fake milk is an isolated violation and does not represent the entire market. Most milk production and distribution enterprises currently strictly comply with regulations on quality, traceability and food safety.

Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Industry and Trade directed the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development to coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen post-inspection, handle violations, and tighten supervision of milk supply nationwide. This move clearly demonstrates the industry’s responsibility in protecting consumers, protecting legitimate businesses, and restoring market order.

Mr. Vu Van Trung, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Consumer Protection Association, affirmed to the press: “Consumers have the right to sue manufacturers and distributors of fake milk. The Association will accompany and support legal procedures when necessary.”

The milk market has gradually stabilized after violations were handled and supervision of milk supply nationwide was tightened.

The association representative also called on consumers to "speak up promptly and clearly to protect their legitimate rights", while emphasizing the accompanying role of management agencies, social organizations and consumers themselves in building a healthy goods market.

The recent incident is a wake-up call. But it also creates a positive effect when consumers are more proactive in protecting their rights, and management agencies tighten post-audits. Above all, most businesses have demonstrated transparency and commitment to doing business honestly, a valuable thing that needs to be spread.

Consumers have the right to demand transparency and also the responsibility to choose the right place to buy. When all three pillars: State - Enterprise - Consumer act together, the milk market will gradually recover not only in terms of sales, but also in terms of trust - the most valuable asset of a healthy economy.

To avoid buying fake milk, consumers should prioritize choosing products at reputable stores and distribution systems with full invoices and clear inspection documents. Before buying, it is necessary to carefully check the barcode, anti-counterfeit stamp and QR code information on the packaging. In particular, it is advisable to keep the invoice after purchase as a basis for complaints when necessary. If detecting unusual signs, consumers can contact the Vietnam Consumer Protection Association or the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development for timely support.

Phuong Cuc

Source: https://congthuong.vn/sau-vu-sua-gia-can-trong-de-giu-niem-tin-thi-truong-384372.html