The Food Safety Authority issued this decision following an investigation by the Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security into the Hanoi-based company. The investigation found that Herbitech had released 67 fake products to the market. Authorities also discovered 675 other products with component ratios and ingredient content below the company's declared standards.

Herbitech manufactured and processed these non-compliant product batches between 2018 and 2025. To safeguard consumer health, the Food Safety Authority has instructed all provincial Departments of Health, Food Safety Departments, and Sub-Departments of Food Hygiene and Safety nationwide to promptly review the market.

"During inspections, if these products are found circulating in the market, proceed with an immediate recall. Simultaneously, provide information to the Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security for legal processing and report findings to the Food Safety Authority," a representative from the Authority stated. Authorities also advise consumers against using Herbitech products and urge them to report any sightings in stores to the relevant agencies.

Beyond addressing the Herbitech products, the Food Safety Authority has also urged provinces and cities to enhance post-market surveillance. Agencies must increase inspections, strictly penalize violating organizations, and proactively implement preventive measures to mitigate food safety risks.

The Baby Shark health supplement was identified as fake. Photo: Linh Dan

The Baby Shark health supplement was identified as fake. Photo: Linh Dan

Previously, in 4/2025, the Ministry of Public Security identified two products, BABY SHARK and Medi Kid Calcium K2, as fake health protection products manufactured by Herbitech Technology Company Limited in Hanoi. These products were advertised to provide micronutrients for infants who are underweight, have weak immune systems, and are fussy eaters. To enable the circulation of these fake products, the company would send samples for testing by authorized laboratories to verify if the components and quantities matched their declarations.

If test samples failed to meet the declared product standards, Herbitech would coordinate with testing companies to alter results or even fabricate test reports. This practice allowed "failed" results to be changed to "passed," enabling product declaration.

Following this, the Ministry of Public Security filed charges, temporarily detained, and searched the residences of the company's director and three other individuals for violations of accounting regulations that caused serious consequences. Several more arrests were made later in connection with this case.

Le Nga