Clearing the Market of Drugs and Supplements: A Wave of Voluntary Recalls

Operation Clean Market: Vietnam’s Crackdown on Substandard Drugs, Cosmetics, and Supplements

In recent days, Vietnam’s Drug Administration and Food Safety Authority (under the Ministry of Health) have consecutively announced decisions to recall drugs and revoke product registration certificates for cosmetics and dietary supplements, marking the beginning of a market cleanup campaign amid growing consumer skepticism. Notably, several prominent brands have also voluntarily initiated product recalls.

Within a short period of intensified efforts against counterfeit and substandard goods, hundreds of cosmetic products have had their registration certificates revoked. On some days, the Drug Administration issued up to seven decisions to revoke nearly 300 product registration numbers for imported cosmetic products, including sunscreens, shower gels, and facial cleansers.

Most of the recalled products belong to domestic companies that registered them, while others are imported goods distributed by non-authorized or inactive businesses. Notably, well-known brands such as Dove and Bioderma were also on the list. This immediately attracted attention as these brands are household names among Vietnamese consumers.

Amid the uproar, both Dove and Bioderma had to issue reassurances to consumers. Specifically, Dove, owned by Unilever Vietnam, clarified that the recall was initiated by PH Vietnam Trading Services Co., Ltd., and thus had nothing to do with the production and distribution of authentic Dove products by Unilever Vietnam. Similarly, Bioderma Vietnam also asserted that all authentic Bioderma products distributed in Vietnam through Minh Thao Care Co., Ltd. are legally imported, properly labeled, and compliant with current regulations. The recalled products were registered by a different entity.

Not only cosmetics but also the dietary supplement market is witnessing an unprecedented cleanup. Most recently, on June 6, the Food Safety Authority (under the Ministry of Health) announced three decisions to revoke product registration certificates.

Notably, Trumpharmaco Joint Stock Company (Hanoi) had ten of its health protection products’ registrations revoked. These products had been registered for many years and are no longer planned for circulation. The syrup “Siro An Ngon,” registered by International Trade Company Limited in 2019 and advertised for children, was also on the recall list.

Particularly, Bayer Vietnam, a subsidiary of the global pharmaceutical company Bayer, recalled its product Berocca Performance Mango—a popular vitamin supplement. While Bayer Vietnam attributed the recall to commercial reasons unrelated to product quality, consumers couldn’t help but feel concerned.

Positive Signal or Tactical Maneuver?

The voluntary recall of hundreds of drugs, dietary supplements, and cosmetics by dozens of companies within two weeks may be a positive sign. However, amid the intensified crackdown on counterfeit and substandard goods, this wave of recalls could also be a tactical maneuver by some businesses to avoid post-market inspections or penalties for violations.

According to regulations, the product registration number is the legal basis for a product to be marketed, but it does not guarantee the product’s safety, efficacy, or ASEAN standards compliance. Therefore, businesses taking the initiative to recall products can be seen as a demonstration of social responsibility and ethical business practices. It also indicates a positive shift in the market, with businesses taking more accountability.

Nonetheless, the Drug Administration leader affirmed that they are closely coordinating with relevant authorities to verify the reasons for the recalls and will closely monitor the remaining products in circulation.

Furthermore, given the complex situation, authorities advise consumers to purchase cosmetics and dietary supplements only from reputable sources and carefully check product registration, authentication labels, and origin information. Legally declared product information can be publicly accessed on the websites of the Food Safety Authority and the Drug Administration. This simple step helps consumers avoid buying counterfeit or recalled products.

The wave of registration revocations, despite causing temporary disruptions, is a necessary step in the context of Vietnam’s rapidly growing dietary supplement and cosmetics markets, which have lacked stringent control until now.

Attorney Phan Thanh Tam, Director of Kim Thanh Law Firm (Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association), stated that tightening the processes for product registration, post-market surveillance, and violation handling would establish a healthy and transparent business environment while protecting consumers’ legitimate rights. The roles of management agencies, corporate transparency, and consumer vigilance are core elements in rebuilding trust in this volatile market.

“Public opinion also expects this campaign to go beyond administrative measures and address serious violations, clarifying the responsibilities of all involved parties. Additionally, enhancing the capabilities of management agencies is crucial for effective supervision and strict penalties for repeat offenders,” said Attorney Phan Thanh Tam.