Confused by the problem of counterfeit goods

Image of workers canning finished products at a fake milk production facility, preparing to release them to the consumer market. (Source: CAND Newspaper)

Shock about fake milk

People across the country are witnessing an alarming increase in counterfeit and fake goods, especially in the food and nutrition sector. Products such as milk powder are being counterfeited in sophisticated ways, openly sold from traditional markets to online platforms at unusually low prices and attractive promotions.

“I used to buy powdered milk for my child on an e-commerce site because the price was much cheaper than at the official store. But when I received the product, I found the packaging unclear and the taste strange. Since then, I have not dared to buy online anymore,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, a resident of Nguyen An Ninh ward, Vung Tau city.

Through a survey conducted at many retail locations in Vung Tau City and Ba Ria City, consumers are clearly worried. Many people choose to temporarily stop buying powdered milk for their children or switch to fresh milk, or even seek other alternatives.

Ms. Tran Minh Tam, a parent of two young children in Long Toan Ward, Ba Ria City, said: “After seeing the news about the fake milk, I checked all the milk I was using for my children. I even took pictures and sent them to the manufacturer for verification. Now, buying a box of milk makes me nervous because I am afraid of buying fake products.”

A quick survey of about 100 customers at 5 major supermarkets in the province, we recorded that 78% of consumers changed their shopping habits after the fake milk incident. Of these, 45% switched to buying at genuine stores or reputable distribution systems, 23% of customers reduced their consumption, and 10% completely switched to alternative products.

“I only dare to buy milk from authorized dealers, even if I have to travel further and pay a higher price. My child’s health is paramount,” said Ms. Le Thi Hanh, a resident of Ba Ria City.

According to Colonel Nguyen Minh Tuan, Deputy Chief of Office of the Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Police Agency, these subjects often take advantage of regulations allowing businesses to self-declare product quality without having to undergo mandatory inspection. They also hire celebrities and KOLs to promote products with false content, exaggerating their effects to attract buyers.

Pursuant to Official Dispatch No. 40/CD-TTg dated April 17, 2025 of the Prime Minister on handling the case of production and distribution of fake milk, the People's Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province has issued a document requesting the Department of Health , the Department of Industry and Trade, the Provincial Police and relevant units to urgently review and inspect the compliance with regulations on ensuring food safety of milk in the province, strictly handle violations. At the same time, strengthen propaganda to guide people to avoid buying fake milk products.

Genuine milk stores see sales decline

Ms. Le Thi Huong, owner of a Mother and Baby milk store in Vung Tau City, said: “The store’s revenue has decreased by nearly 40% in the past month. People are confused about which milk is real and which is fake, so they have temporarily stopped buying milk or switched to using alternative products. We have to strengthen the proof of origin of goods, even reduce prices to retain customers.”

Faced with this situation, genuine milk distributors are applying many anti-counterfeit measures such as affixing authentication stamps and QR codes so that consumers can check the origin of the products. Some stores also organize training sessions to help customers distinguish between real and fake milk.

In addition, some stores have adopted a “buy with confidence” policy, promising to refund 10 times the amount if the product is found to be fake. These programs have initially helped to regain consumer confidence, but the market recovery process still faces many challenges.

On the part of the people, experts recommend that they be vigilant, not be greedy for cheap prices and only shop at reputable stores. “When buying goods, I always carefully check the packaging and labels and only choose reputable stores. If I have any doubts, I will immediately report to the authorities,” said Mr. Pham Van Tam, a resident of Chau Duc district.

To restore consumer confidence, the decisive intervention of management agencies, along with the efforts of genuine businesses and the vigilance of the people are key factors to eliminate the problem of counterfeit goods, bringing a healthy and safe market to the community.

Article and photos: NGUYEN NAM

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202504/hoang-mang-truoc-van-nan-hang-gia-1040781/