Nationwide sweep targets counterfeit food and drugs

Speaking at the event, Major General Hoang Anh Tuyen, deputy chief of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security, noted a recent rise in such cases, citing three ongoing investigations as examples.

Major General Hoang Anh Tuyen, deputy chief of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security. Photo: BT

The first is the production and trading of counterfeit powdered milk, eventually consumed in large quantities in Hanoi and its neighbouring provinces. As of April 29, the Ministry of Public Security's has prosecuted and temporarily detained 15 individuals involved in the investigation.

The second is the production and sale of counterfeit medicines in Thanh Hoa province and several other cities and provinces nationwide.Thanh Hoa police issued a decision on April 29 to prosecute 14 individuals in the case.

Hirbitech Co., Ltd. was the at the centre of the third case. The company was accused of fabricating lab data to approve non-compliant functional foods. The Ministry of Public Security issued a decision on April 28 to prosecute the accused, and an arrest warrant for temporary detention was issued, along with a search warrant for the residence of four individuals suspected of violating accounting regulations.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan emphasised the severity of the counterfeit milk case in particular as these products directly impact vulnerable groups, such as children and patients who require nutritional support.

"This is a grave violation of business ethics by organisations and individuals who, for the sake of profit, made violations for long-term profiteering. They have defied the law and disregarded people's health for profit," said Thuan. "These cases need to be dealt with harshly to deter future violations."

Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health. Photo: BT

Upon learning of the violations, the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued Official Dispatch 832, dated April 23, directing health departments in provinces and cities to review, inspect, and coordinate with competent authorities and localities to recall 12 counterfeit powdered milk products. The MoH has also coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security to handle the inspections in accordance with regulatory protocols.

According to some observers, the current supervision and inspection resources remain inadequate to meet operational demands. To address this gap, the MoH is collaborating with key ministries, such as Public Security, Industry and Trade, and Culture, Sports and Tourism, to implement joint solutions.

Following on from that, the MoH has submitted the revised Pharmacy Law to the government and will soon propose amendments to the Food Safety Law, along with related decrees, to strengthen oversight of these products and safeguard public health

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