On 15/7, the DAV issued the recall after the Quang Ngai Center for Drug, Cosmetics and Food Testing found that a batch of SA.AD Liquid Hand Soap-Strawberry (500ml bottles, lot number 26PO 65/209E) contained methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. These preservatives were not listed in the product's declared ingredients.

The hand soap is manufactured by Touch One Co., Ltd, Thailand, and distributed in Vietnam by Goldpoint Group Joint Stock Company. The tested sample was collected from My Pham Thuong Trang in Quang Ngai.

The DAV has ordered businesses to stop selling and using the affected batch of hand soap. Local authorities have been instructed to confiscate and destroy the product. The product's cosmetic notification certificate has also been revoked. Additionally, the DAV has suspended the review and acceptance of cosmetic product notifications from Goldpoint Group Joint Stock Company for six months.

Methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben are common preservatives used in cosmetics and food products to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Experts say that undisclosed use, improper dosage, or excessive use of these preservatives can cause allergic reactions, endocrine disruption, and long-term health problems, especially in sensitive individuals.

Vietnamese authorities have recently uncovered numerous violations at manufacturing and trading establishments, leading to the recall and destruction of many counterfeit and substandard drugs and cosmetics. In June, the DAV conducted surprise inspections of 38 establishments, finding violations at 17. Simultaneously, 20 provinces and cities inspected 865 manufacturing, importing, and trading establishments, uncovering violations at 48.

Le Nga