Seized in Hanoi: 1,500 “3-No” Mooncakes at Shockingly Low Prices (2,000 – 3,000 VND Each) – No Label, No Brand, No Expiry Date

Recently, the Market Management Team No. 2 of the Hanoi Market Management Department conducted surprise inspections at several stores in Hong Ha and Hoan Kiem wards. During these inspections, authorities discovered approximately 1,500 low-quality mooncakes with unclear origins and no food safety certification. These mooncakes were priced as low as 2,000 to 3,000 VND per piece.

Mr. Ly Tran Hop, Deputy Head of Market Management Team No. 2, stated, “Traders purchase these products for 2,000 to 3,000 VND each and then sell them for 6,000 to 7,000 VND. They mix these mooncakes of unknown origin with batches that have proper invoices and documentation, rather than displaying them openly,” as reported by Hanoi Radio and Television Station.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the market is flooded with various mooncakes sold on social media, e-commerce platforms, convenience stores, and local markets. Alarmingly, many of these products fall into the “3 no” category: no labels, no brands, and no expiration dates, with prices ranging from 15,000 to 250,000 VND per piece.

Mr. Vuong Ba Dung, Head of Market Management Team No. 24, emphasized, “Products without clear origins or proper documentation pose significant risks to consumer health and quality.”

Currently, inspections and monitoring of food safety for mooncakes are being intensified, focusing on the quality and origins of raw materials and products in circulation.

In a separate development, Market Management Team No. 24 of the Hanoi Market Management Sub-Department (the standing agency of the City’s Steering Committee 389) collaborated with Team 7 of the Economic Police Department, Hanoi Police, to inspect a business premises at 19, Alley 101, Chua Tong, An Khanh Commune, Hanoi. The premises belong to Bao Chau Service and Trading Joint Stock Company, owned by Mr. Nguyen Cong Chung.

During the inspection, Mr. Chung failed to provide a business registration certificate for the company at that location. Notably, the inspection team discovered a large quantity of foreign-produced food items without proper invoices or documentation. The seized items included 600 mooncakes, each weighing 500 grams, labeled with foreign branding but lacking invoices. According to current regulations, these items are considered smuggled goods, as reported by Thuong Hieu & Cong Luan.

The mooncakes were priced at 40,000 VND per piece, with the total value of the seized goods amounting to 24 million VND. The inspection team issued a report and proposed that the Head of Market Management Team No. 24 order the confiscation of all goods for further legal proceedings.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Chung faces an administrative fine of 57 million VND for two violations: (1) trading smuggled food products valued at 24 million VND, and (2) operating at an unregistered business location.

A representative from the Hanoi Market Management Sub-Department stated that this case serves as a warning to individuals and organizations violating business regulations, especially concerning food products during peak holiday seasons. Uncertified and smuggled goods not only violate the law but also pose significant health risks to consumers.

Authorities advise consumers to purchase mooncakes from reputable establishments with clear addresses and proper food trading permits. Products should include complete information such as the manufacturer’s name and address, usage and storage instructions, production date, expiration date, and remaining shelf life. Consumers should avoid buying cheap, smuggled, or expired mooncakes to protect their health.