The powdered milk market: A mix of "gold and brass"?!

The market currently offers hundreds of milk brands, both domestic and imported, catering to different age groups and market segments. With such a wide variety, consumers are often overwhelmed when choosing, as it's difficult to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality products.

In reality, over the years, consumers have witnessed numerous cases of counterfeit food, counterfeit medicine, counterfeit cosmetics, and now counterfeit milk being exposed. Recently, following the discovery and dismantling of a network producing, trading, and distributing nearly 600 types of counterfeit powdered milk over the past four years by specialized units of the Ministry of Public Security , many consumers have expressed extreme confusion and anxiety.

Authorities inspect powdered milk products. Photo: TQ

According to the Vietnam Dairy Association, using counterfeit milk can lead to serious health consequences for consumers, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Depending on the specific case, using substandard powdered milk can cause mild symptoms like stomach pain and nausea, or more severe symptoms such as diarrhea, poisoning, and even muscle paralysis, respiratory problems, and life-threatening conditions, especially for young children with weak immune systems. For infants, using substandard powdered milk can affect their immunity and, in the long term, lead to liver failure, kidney failure, and respiratory failure.

“My family has two young children and an elderly mother who use powdered milk every day. Recently, the media reported the discovery of a large quantity of counterfeit milk, which has left me extremely worried and anxious. I don't know which milk is genuine and which is fake or imitation; we only buy based on recommendations and advertisements. I hope that the authorities will strengthen market control and milk quality checks so that people can buy and use it with peace of mind,” said Mr. Thanh Sang (Ward 7, Bac Lieu City), expressing his concerns.

To avoid being cheated, consumers should buy powdered milk from reputable and verified locations and stores, carefully read the information on the product label, check the manufacturer's information, and consider choosing manufacturers with a long history. Additionally, consumers can feel more secure choosing products with the same name that are imported and distributed in the Vietnamese market.

THUY LAM

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/thi-truong-tieu-dung/thi-truong-sua-bot-vang-thau-lan-lon!-100246.html