Results from inspections of food ingredients in Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market and HCM City’s Kim Bien Market conducted by the Ministry of Health’s National Institute of Food Control (NIFC) last year showed that 31% out of the 608 samples taken failed to meet required standards of origin and labeling. Several banned substances, such as DEHP, a chemical often used in industrial production, but sometimes used as a food and beverage additive. It has been linked to developmental problems in children and hormonal changes.
Unlabeled ingredients found in Hanoi and HCM City
The cases of Hanoi and HCM City are a bit different. The stalls of Dong Xuan in Hanoi normally sell food ingredients alongside other substances, usually contained in large bags or cans with no mark of origin or usage instructions. In HCM City industrial additives are often sold as food ingredients. Many of them are from China and lack proper labeling.
"Food safety management in Vietnam is a huge challenge to authorities. In most cases, both the sellers and buyers are unaware they are trading substances banned for food production. However, some food producers are aware of the health risks of these chemicals, yet continue to use them to increase profits," said Vu Thi Trang, of NIFC.
According to Trang, public concern has been growing in Vietnam after authorities detected a number of banned substances in foods, including Rhodamin B, a chemical compound used a dye in chili power and dried melon seeds.
After the public was made aware of the potential health risks linked to these chemicals, these products virtually disappeared from market shelves.
Also, malachite green, an organic compound used as a dyestuff, became controversial. In Vietnam it was mostly used in the aquaculture sector, but also in the production of green rice, a specialty in the country. The substance has since been banned in most countries, including Vietnam. Results from inspections in 2012 and 2013 showed that all rice green samples were free from the substance.
Still, DEHP has been found in many jams, jelly and fruit juice products. This chemical is even banned use in the production of toys for children. Again, often, these banned substances were found in toys imported from China.
In addition, after the 2013 inspection, Tinopal, a brightener for detergents, was found in noodles. This substance is also banned from the process of food production. Borax and formaldehyde were also found in many food products.
Nguyen Van Nhien, from the Ministry of Health’s Vietnam Food Administration suggested that more Vietnamese individuals and organizations involved in the food and beverage industry attend international trade exhibitions and fairs, such as Food Ingredients Asia in order to increase their awareness of food safety issues.