Rubber ducks contain toxins, Chinese-made sandals cause skin ulcers.

Hidden cameras infiltrate motels and hotels; Chinese-made sandals cause sores and numbness in feet; rubber ducks contain toxins that cause cancer; Bun Cha (Vietnamese noodle dish) found in Hanoi restrooms; giant garlic cloves costing nearly a million VND per kilogram sell out... these are some of the market news stories.ngNotable events of the past week.

Customs authorities are concerned about the increasing number of import documents for items such as toothbrushes, razors, watches, and car keys—items that, while appearing to be ordinary household goods, are actually designed for covert photography, video recording, and audio recording. Under current policy, these goods are typically cleared for import after taxes are paid.

Miniature cameras are widely available online.

Spy cameras and hidden cameras are being sold everywhere: With diverse designs, prices, and types, various types of hidden cameras (miniature cameras) are now widely available on the market. Customers can easily buy these products at markets or in any electronics store.

Hot:Controversy erupts over Chinese-made sandals causing sores and numbness in the feet?

The Vietnamese Facebook community is raising concerns about plastic sandals of Chinese origin containing "harmful substances." According to online users, these sandals cause itching and pain in the feet after prolonged wear.

This is not the first time warnings have surfaced about plastic sandals of Chinese origin containing toxic substances. Since 2008, there have been many similar reports to the suspicions currently circulating on social media.

A close-up view of Chinese sandals after the soles have been cut off.

In late March 2013, residents of An My commune, Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, were abuzz with news that plastic sandals of Chinese origin contained a strange substance, causing users to experience itchy and painful feet after wearing them for a while. When the sandals were cut open, a white powder with an unpleasant odor was found inside...

In September 2008, Italian police seized 1.7 million pairs of leather shoes made in China during an investigation into toxic footwear. Tests revealed that these shoes contained a toxic substance that could cause cancer in users.

Toxic rubber ducks are rampant in Vietnam:Spanish authorities have issued a decision to confiscate and ban the sale nationwide of a yellow rubber duck bath toy from China. This is because the product contains 21% phthalate (DEHP), a highly toxic additive commonly used in plastic products that can cause cancer, premature puberty, and birth defects.

Rubber ducks are being sold everywhere without labels or information about their origin.

Corn milk that isn't actually made from corn: Many beverage brands on the market produce and sell corn milk with unclear ingredients, no labels, and no expiration dates. Experts advise consumers against using these unregulated corn milk products, as the oil used in their production may contain additives and chemicals that negatively impact health.

Beware of lead-contaminated dried fruits: Currently, many types of preserved fruits and dried fruits originating from China are widely available in Vietnam, with many lacking clear information on ingredients, expiration dates, and labeling.

A horrifying scene at a popular bun cha restaurant in Hanoi's restroom: Raw vegetables were left on the toilet bowl, and discarded bowls were scattered on the floor next to a foul-smelling trash can. A 20-liter bin, used for leftover food and garbage, was emitting a terrible stench; its sides were filthy and even infested with maggots!

Yen The chickens are outselling smuggled chickens in the first season: Currently, Yen The chickens are selling at the highest prices and receiving the most orders of the year, especially those raised using clean farming methods.

During peak season, vegetable prices drop sharply: While other goods for Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations are seeing price increases, vegetable prices are trending downwards. In markets, overall vegetable prices have decreased by approximately 35%.

Giant garlic, priced at nearly 1 million VND per kilogram, is selling out: This type of "giant" garlic (single-clove garlic) is highly sought after as a Tet (Lunar New Year) gift, due to its rare and precious nature, its medicinal properties, and its use in delicious dishes. While regular garlic costs only 40,000-50,000 VND/kg, single-clove garlic from Phu Yen is currently selling for up to 570,000 VND/kg, with individual bags of 0.5kg costing 285,000 VND and 0.2kg costing 145,000 VND, not including home delivery fees.

Heartbreaking: Da Lat residents 'betray' local specialty: In just a few weeks, traders at Da Lat's agricultural market imported nearly 150 tons of Chinese potatoes at prices below 4,000 VND/kg. A large quantity of these potatoes, after being washed and coated with Da Lat's red soil, were then exported to other provinces at prices ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 VND/kg.

Strange: Bicycles are as expensive as SH scooters.

Known as a renowned collector of vintage bicycles in Hanoi, Mr. Tien Dung owns a collection of extremely valuable Peugeot bicycles. A prime example is his mint green 1951 Peugeot, considered one of the rarest in Vietnam today.

"A dilapidated motorbike" costs as much as a Honda SH.

After a long search in southern France, thanks to an acquaintance working in the diplomatic service, Mr. Dung finally brought his prized possession back to Vietnam three years ago. That year, someone offered to trade his old, rickety bicycle for a brand-new, imported Honda SH, but he refused.

According to Mr. Dung, this Peugeot is the only one currently available with three grease nipples on the center axle and two wheels. This 62-year-old "iron horse" also boasts "trendy" features from half a decade ago, such as a manually adjustable derailleur and 40-year-old tires that are still in good working condition, worth as much as Lexus tires today.

According to Vietnam.Net