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Unhygienic and fake functional food remains a problem
  • | tiengphong, dtinews.vn | August 19, 2015 05:45 PM

Vietnam Food Safety Administration director Nguyen Thanh Phong has expressed his fears about fake and unhygienic functional foods which he believes are rampant.

 
 Vietnam Food Safety Administration director Nguyen Thanh Phong

Functional food produced by the MC Food Company in HCM City was found to be made of largely sugar and salt during an investigation into the factory’s products. In addition the plant failed to meet hygiene standards.

Phong blamed lax management.

He went on to say that current legal deterrents were too lenient which meant it was difficult to prevent such companies operating.

"The management role of localities, especially at ward or lower level, must be heightened," he said.

The Ministry of Health has co-operated with the Ministry of Public Security to deal with the problem. Health departments at localities have been ordered to tighten management and shut down companies that flout health regulations.

Lawyer Nguyen Duc Chanh said those found to be producing fake functional food in cases similar to the MC Food Company could face from seven to 20 years in jail. Yet fines often range from just VND5 million (USD240) to only VND50 million despite the potentially deadly violations.

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