Police in Thanh Hoa Province have pulled off the biggest ever raid on a food seasoning and additives factory using MSG and other seasonings of dubious origin and rebranding it through fake packaging aimed at the Tet holiday market.
Dozens of fake Ajinomoto packs
The factory of Nguyen Thi Cam Huong on Dinh Le Street, Thanh Hoa City, raided on January 29, is believed to be the largest illegal factory yet found, with police seizing 1,000 packs of fake monosodium glutamate (MSG). They also found 80 25kg bags of MSG, as well as other kinds of food seasonings and additives for fried foods and hot pots.
80 bags of monosodium glutamate
Police allege Huong bought MSG of unknown origin and repackaged it under well-known brands such as Ajinomoto, Miwon and A-one. Dozens of kilograms of seasoning packaged as Knorr was also found. The packaging was sophisticated and the labels near perfect.
Packaging falsely labelled under famous brands
The factory went into operation in early 2014 and was producing 0.5kg packs of MSG at a cost of VND10,000 for sale at triple the price. Police alleged Huong bought 2.5 tonnes of MSG of unknown origin for repacking and sale ahead of this year's Tet holiday.
Police confiscated fake food seasonings and additives at Huong's factory
Investigators said they were acting on complaints and information from the public about the factory.
