The provincial police’s economic crime unit on March 13 launched criminal proceedings and detained Nguyen Cong Khuong, 49, owner of Dai Khuong production facility in Tri Qua Ward.
Authorities said the case was uncovered in January 2026 after inspections by the economic police, the provincial market surveillance force and the local anti-smuggling steering committee.
During a raid, officers seized 7,488 bottles of white vinegar (0.5 litres each), 150 kilogrammes of acetic acid food additive, as well as bottle caps, labels and equipment used in the production process.
Investigators said Khuong had registered a product labelled white vinegar 100 per cent natural, declaring ingredients including vinegar extract and purified water.
However, instead of producing vinegar through natural fermentation from ingredients such as rice, apples or fruit, he allegedly mixed acetic acid with untreated water to produce vinegar and labelled the bottles 100 per cent natural before selling them on the market for use in cooking and sauces.
Police said the acts constituted the crime of producing and trading counterfeit food products. Authorities are continuing to expand the investigation to identify other individuals involved.
Local police also warned businesses and traders to comply with regulations and avoid producing or selling counterfeit or substandard goods, particularly food and food additives.
Consumers were advised to choose products with clear origins and labelling and to report suspected violations to authorities.
