In the rapidly expanding market of functional foods, dietary supplements, and medical nutrition products, the issue of counterfeit goods poses a significant threat not only to economic stability but also to public health. Tran Viet Nga, Director of the Food Safety Department under the Ministry of Health, has recently highlighted the alarming rise in the production and trade of fake food products, including counterfeit milk and health supplements. "The investigating police agency of the Ministry of Public Security has dismantled several networks involved in the production and distribution of these fake food items," she stated.
The Food Safety Department is working closely with law enforcement to assess these serious cases, aiming to ensure that unethical business practices are addressed. Nga expressed hope that the recent crackdowns would serve as a wake-up call for those currently engaged in or considering the production of counterfeit goods. "We recognize these as serious issues and hope that unethical business organizations will change their behavior after these dismantling efforts. This is a warning for anyone involved in the production and trade of fake goods," she emphasized.
Experts attribute the prevalence of counterfeit foods to various shortcomings in the regulatory framework. The Government's Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP allows businesses to self-declare their products, which has inadvertently created loopholes that some companies exploit. This decree facilitates a self-declaration process that does not require prior approval from state management agencies, enabling businesses to produce and market products without adequate oversight. "With this self-declaration mechanism, businesses can declare and produce immediately without needing state management agencies to evaluate their documents. This has led to some companies declaring medical nutritional products or special dietary products as supplements, which is a reprehensible act," Nga noted.
The simplicity of the self-declaration process, which requires minimal documentation and no fees, has resulted in a surge of businesses rushing to self-declare products. However, the actual production volumes often do not align with the declared quantities, complicating the government's ability to monitor and enforce compliance. Nga pointed out that when authority is given to businesses, their responsibility must be paramount, and they must adhere strictly to the legal documents issued by regulatory agencies.
"We have a relatively comprehensive legal framework for food safety, including the Food Safety Law and relevant decrees. If businesses comply with these regulations, there should be no significant issues. However, many companies choose to ignore these regulations for profit, disregarding business ethics altogether," Nga stated.
In response to the growing challenges posed by counterfeit products, the Ministry of Health is advocating for amendments to the Food Safety Law and Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP to tighten regulations and address existing shortcomings. The Ministry has also proposed that local People's Committees enhance their investment in human resources and funding for post-market surveillance.
In addition to regulatory measures, Nga stressed the importance of ethical business practices. "Manufacturers need to prioritize business ethics and strictly comply with all food production and business regulations. The honesty and responsibility of businesses are crucial to building consumer trust," she said.
The role of state management agencies is equally vital. Timely issuance of legal documents and equipping these agencies with effective tools to control products in the market are essential to prevent the circulation of counterfeit and substandard goods. Regular inspections and enforcement of penalties for violations are necessary to maintain market integrity.
Moreover, consumers are urged to take an active role in protecting themselves. Nga advised that individuals should equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to make informed choices regarding food products. "Researching product information, understanding the origin, ingredients, and labels, as well as staying updated on warnings from regulatory agencies, will help consumers make wise decisions that protect their health and that of their families," she concluded.
As the Ministry of Health continues its efforts to combat counterfeit foods, the collaboration between regulatory bodies, businesses, and consumers will be crucial in ensuring the safety and quality of food products available in the market. The ongoing challenges in this area underscore the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard public health against the threats posed by counterfeit goods.
