In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples of fear among parents, authorities in Vietnam have uncovered a massive counterfeit milk scandal involving nearly 600 fake milk products. The operation, which has been running since 2021, targeted vulnerable groups including diabetics, pregnant women, and children, raising serious concerns about the health implications for consumers.
On April 15, 2025, a list of counterfeit milk brands was published, including the well-known UniGold brand. Ms. Trang from Thai Binh was among the first to express her alarm after discovering that the milk she had given her child was on the list. "I had bought four boxes of UniGold milk for my child, priced at 460,000 VND each, and was horrified to find it listed as counterfeit," she shared. "I immediately contacted the stores where I purchased it to verify the information." One store promptly arranged to recall the milk and offered a refund, while another insisted that the milk sold to her was legitimate.
"I don't know who to trust anymore," Ms. Trang continued, her voice filled with worry. "Clearly, UniGold is on the counterfeit list, yet one shop claims my child's milk is safe. I’m just anxious about my child's health after consuming it." Despite her concerns, she noted that her child had not gained weight while on the UniGold milk, prompting her to switch to a different brand.
Another mother, Ms. Thuy from Ha Tinh, was equally distressed upon realizing that a milk brand her son had consumed two years ago also appeared on the counterfeit list. "I felt a knot in my stomach knowing my son might have been a victim of counterfeit milk. Financial loss is one thing, but I worry about the long-term health effects on my child," she lamented. Two years prior, her son had been hospitalized due to diarrhea, and the same milk brand was recommended for his recovery. After spending 500,000 VND on the milk, she noted no improvement in her son's condition, leading her to seek further medical treatment.
As the scandal unfolded, Ms. Hoa from Phu Tho, who had been giving her 6-year-old twin sons a particular brand of milk for six months, expressed her fears about the safety of the product. "I spent 345,000 VND per box, and now I’m waiting for the results of testing on the milk to see if it’s safe for my children," she said anxiously. The milk was marketed as beneficial for immune health and digestive balance, but the recent revelations have left her in a state of uncertainty.
Ms. Ha Thi Huong from Thai Binh also shared her experience with counterfeit milk. Regularly purchasing milk from a nearby supermarket, she had been using a Japanese brand for her child. After hearing about the counterfeit scandal, she was informed by the supermarket that the milk she had bought was being recalled due to links to the counterfeit operation. "I had just bought six boxes for 480,000 VND each, and was given a full refund for all of them," she recounted. "I learned that the milk only met about 70% of the nutritional standards, which is alarming." Despite her child's current good health, she plans to take her child for a thorough health check-up to ensure there are no hidden effects from the counterfeit milk.
The counterfeit operation, which has reportedly produced 573 brands of milk powder, was uncovered by police investigations that revealed a network of companies involved in the production and distribution of these fake products. The ring, led by Vu Manh Cuong and Hoang Manh Ha, has earned nearly 500 billion VND in illegal profits by marketing these counterfeit products as safe and nutritious, despite their substandard quality.
According to police reports, the counterfeit products were distributed through various channels, including baby stores and supermarkets across numerous provinces. The fake milk was marketed with claims of containing premium ingredients such as bird's nest extract and cordyceps, yet investigations confirmed that these claims were false. Instead, the products were made with inferior ingredients and additives.
The scandal has raised pressing questions about regulatory oversight and consumer safety. Many parents are left wondering how such a vast operation could operate undetected for so long. As Ms. Hoa pointed out, "Why has this counterfeit milk ring been allowed to flourish for four years before being exposed? How many children and vulnerable individuals have consumed these dangerous products?"
With the health of countless children and pregnant women at stake, the urgency for swift action is palpable. The authorities are now under pressure to ensure that all counterfeit products are removed from the market and that those responsible for this deceit face legal consequences. As investigations continue, parents across the country are left anxiously awaiting the results of health checks and the outcomes of the ongoing investigation.
In the face of such alarming developments, many mothers are now more cautious than ever about the products they choose for their children. The counterfeit milk scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and trust in the brands we consume. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the repercussions of this scandal will be felt for a long time, not just in terms of health but also in consumer confidence.
