The Ministry of Industry and Trade is investigating the Hảo Hảo instant noodle scandal involving banned substances.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that upon receiving the warning, it immediately requested Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company to promptly report on the production process and the differences between the batches of products sold domestically and those exported for the two products, Hao Hao instant noodles and Good vermicelli, manufactured by the company. This was to assess the presence of Ethylene Oxide (a substance not included in the list of regulations on maximum residue limits for pesticides in food according to Circular 50/2016/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health) in the products as stated in the warning.

Hao Hao spicy instant noodles are being recalled due to containing ethylene oxide. Photo: FSAI

At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Trade directed relevant agencies to coordinate a review of the entire product catalog currently distributed domestically by Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company, verify and clarify the production process, and identify any violations to protect consumer rights in accordance with the Vietnamese Food Safety Law.

Organizations and individuals producing and trading food who violate food safety laws will be subject to administrative penalties or criminal prosecution depending on the nature and severity of the violation. If the violation causes damage, they must compensate and remedy the consequences in accordance with the law.

Previously, several news outlets reported that the Irish Food Safety Authority (FSAI) had recalled several instant noodle products due to the presence of ethylene oxide, including Hảo Hảo spicy sour shrimp noodles and vermicelli produced by Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company and exported to this market.