Unscrupulous business practices are rampant, with many traders dealing in goods of unknown origin, using expired ingredients, and violating labeling, hygiene, and production regulations.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Market Management Force has recently uncovered and dealt with numerous prominent cases. This includes the detention of 50 tons of frozen animal organs of unknown origin in Thu Duc City, valued at nearly VND 4.5 billion, resulting in a fine of VND 315 million and the destruction of the entire shipment. Additionally, nearly seven tons of smuggled refined sugar were discovered in Cu Chi district, and 18,200 bottles of smuggled beer were seized in District 12. One ton of untraceable beef jerky advertised online was also fined VND 100 million. Notably, on May 14 alone, authorities inspected two businesses in Binh Tay Market and District 8, confiscating numerous bird’s nest boxes and over 100 packets of untraceable food additives, some of which were sold through e-commerce platforms.
Coffee farmers are suffering due to the coffee production predicament.
In response to this situation, Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Industry and Trade is implementing comprehensive measures to curb the trade of untraceable food products. This includes surprise inspections at wholesale markets, supermarkets, shopping centers, and warehouses, as well as inter-agency collaboration with the Police, Department of Health, and the city’s Food Safety Committee. The city also continues to execute its 2025 post-inspection plan for food safety, intensifying propaganda and obtaining commitments from businesses to refrain from transporting, producing, or trading counterfeit, smuggled, or untraceable goods. A hotline is maintained by the Market Management Force for timely reporting of violations.
To curb the production of counterfeit coffee, Mr. Minh asserted that authorities should severely punish the end consumers of these products. They are the critical link that enables the proliferation of counterfeits. He also advised consumers to make wise choices.
Mr. Huy acknowledged the challenges in monitoring online trade due to the anonymity of many traders, their failure to register, or their use of social media for sales. Numerous products are advertised deceitfully, lacking invoices and proper documentation, and having unclear origins. Some violations lack specific regulations for punishment, leading to repeated offenses. To address this, the Department of Industry and Trade proposes stricter penalties, especially for organized crimes, repeat offenders, or those intentionally seeking illicit profits. Severe cases that endanger community health may face criminal charges. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City is developing an inter-agency violation database and disclosing information about violators in the media to enhance deterrence.
Mr. Trinh Duc Minh, Chairman of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association, warned that the production of counterfeit coffee powder is likely to increase in the coming months. With the current price of coffee beans exceeding VND 120,000/kg, it is implausible to find genuine coffee at VND 100,000/kg.
According to Mr. Minh, counterfeit coffee is tainted with additives and chemicals, directly impacting consumers’ health. The repercussions of fake coffee erode consumer trust, tarnish the reputation of Vietnamese coffee, and create unfair competition among producers.
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