Candy of unknown origin is widely sold in the highlands of Nghe An

Amidst the maze of real and fake goods mixed in markets, shops and kiosks, it is difficult for people in the highlands to distinguish when buying goods for use during Tet. Photo: Xuan Hoang

OccasionLunar New Year, the market of goods, especially confectionery of all kinds, has increased sharply compared to normal days. What is worrying is that many types of confectionery of unknown origin, violating labels... are sold widely in markets, shops, and kiosks in mountainous areas, posing a potential risk of food safety and hygiene during Tet for consumers, if people buy them for use.

At Hoa Binh market in Thach Giam town, Tuong Duong district, many types of banh beo are of unknown origin.originare openly sold by shop owners. These candies are roughly packaged, without any information about where they were made. When asked, some shop owners gave many reasons: Coffee bean cakes are made by family members and sold; candies are bought in large bags and divided into individual packages for retail sale to customers, so there are no labels...

Candies without information about their origin are sold at Hoa Binh market, Tuong Duong district. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Ms. Tam, a customer buying candy at Hoa Binh market, said that because her family's economic conditions are still difficult, she chooses to buy cheap candy to use during Tet. Because she does not care about the origin of the goods, she often buys candy sold by weight.

The status of candy of unknown origin,expired goods... are still widely sold in many different locations in Con Cuong, Ky Son... especially in remote areas, causing concern among consumers.

From January 17 to 19, the interdisciplinary delegation of Con Cuong district inspected 12 food production, processing and trading establishments in 2 communes: Mon Son and Chau Khe, of which 7 establishments were handled for violations of selling expired goods, goods without packaging, without labels... confiscated and destroyed goods and administratively fined according to regulations.

The interdisciplinary delegation of Con Cuong district drew up a record to handle violations of goods regulations in Luc Da commune. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Lo Van Ly - Head of the Department of Agriculture of Con Cuong district, the unit chairing the district's interdisciplinary delegation, said that to ensure the health safety of people before, during and after Tet, the district's interdisciplinary delegation began implementation from January 15. The inspection area is all communes and towns, in which the inspection is arranged in remote communes first. During the implementation process, the delegation focuses on inspecting food items, confectionery, soft drinks... regarding expiry date, origin, and labeling according to regulations.

Faced with the situation of goods of unknown origin, expired, and violationslabelMixing and selling at shops, kiosks... in the highlands is quite common, making it easy for consumers to buy the wrong products during Tet. Therefore, localities such as Que Phong, Ky Son... have made plans to implement work to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural, forestry and fishery products during the Lunar New Year of Nham Dan.

Handling and destroying goods that violate quality in Con Cuong district. Photo: Quang An

According to Mr. Truong Dinh Xuan, Head of the Economic - Infrastructure Department of Que Phong district, in previous years, the district's interdisciplinary team inspected and discovered many confectionery, soft drinks... violating regulations on labeling, expired goods, and unknown origins. For this year's Tet holiday, the district has developed a specific plan. Accordingly, the district's interdisciplinary team will organize implementation from January 24 (ie December 22) until after the Lunar New Year.

Market management forces inspect goods in mountainous areas. Photo courtesy of Quang An

Together with the interdisciplinary delegation of the districts, the agencyMarket managementIt is also necessary to strengthen and inspect goods at markets and sales agents... to promptly prevent acts of deliberately selling goods of unknown origin, expired goods, and violating labels, in order to bring fairness in business and ensure benefits for consumers./.