Monosodium glutamate market in turmoil: Dozens of brands do not state their origin

Continuous detection of counterfeit goods and goods of unknown origin

Recently, the authorities have continuously cracked down on many serious cases of counterfeit goods and goods of unknown origin, from food, cosmetics to pharmaceuticals..., essential consumer goods, causing public opinion to stir. Among them, the Phu Tho Provincial Police cracked down on a production line of thousands of tons of fake, poor quality, and unknown origin monosodium glutamate (MSG) of Famimoto Vietnam Co., Ltd. on April 24.

Phu Tho Provincial Police raided a fake MSG factory of unknown origin owned by Famimoto Vietnam Co., Ltd. on April 24, 2025.

Recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh 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 society, promoting economic growth and development, ensuring security, safety, health care and people's lives.

' Lots of' MSG of unknown origin

In addition to Famimoto and Boat Brand MSG of Famimoto Vietnam Co., Ltd. that have been processed and preliminary surveyed based on information on the packaging, there are currently nearly 30 brands of MSG of unknown origin mixed, divided, repackaged by organizations and individuals in 9 localities, then sold widely in markets, grocery stores and even in large supermarkets in most provinces and cities across the country.

9 localities have MSG with unknown origin and source that is being divided and repackaged by organizations and individuals.

Threatening consumer health, affecting businesses

Due to the lack of information on the origin and the unclear origin of the product on the packaging, the types of MSG that are divided and repackaged often make consumers mistakenly believe that this is MSG produced directly in Vietnam. The inability to evaluate the production process and quality standards affects the legitimate interests of consumers, especially the potential health risks from using these types of MSG for a long time.

Not only threatening the health of consumers, the widespread sale of divided and repackaged MSG also severely affects legitimate businesses. While divided and repackaged businesses only need to import MSG from sources of unknown origin, then mix, divide, repackage and put it on the market, without needing to invest much in infrastructure but only equipping simple packaging equipment; legitimate businesses must invest significantly in building factories, purchasing machinery and equipment, using domestic agricultural raw materials... to produce MSG directly in Vietnam.

This leads to a reduction in the competitive advantage of domestic MSG producers. In particular, when the import tax rate on MSG from Southeast Asian countries and China to Vietnam is zero, units importing MSG for distribution and repackaging do not have to pay import tax, further increasing the disadvantages for domestic producers. This leads to many consequences for the domestic economy.

Expectations from a comprehensive crackdown

With the Government's upcoming strong and comprehensive crackdown, it is hoped that not only MSG but all products with unknown origins will soon be dealt with, ensuring the legitimate rights of consumers as well as legitimate businesses.

Meanwhile, consumers should also protect themselves and their families by carefully checking product information before buying to avoid buying MSG that is divided and repackaged with unknown origin.

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

For repackaged and portioned MSG products, the back of the packaging usually states: Packed at , or Packing facility , or Mixed at , or Finished at ...

For MSG 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.

PA

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/thi-truong-mi-chinh-nhieu-loan-hang-chuc-nhan-hieu-khong-ghi-nguon-goc-xuat-xu-193795.htm