The Drug Administration of Vietnam issued the recall on 19/9 after the Lam Dong Center for Drug and Cosmetics Testing discovered the discrepancy. Testing revealed the product's SPF (sun protection factor), a measure of UVB protection, was almost 4 times lower than claimed on the packaging.

Furthermore, the product's registration documents listed its benefits as "moisturizing, sun protection, preventing the harmful effects of UVA, UVB rays, and sunlight on the skin", but did not mention the SPF 50 claim found on the product label.

The SPF (sun protection factor) measures a sunscreen's ability to protect against UVB rays. A higher SPF indicates better protection.

The affected batch, number 2260125, comes in 30ml bottles and was manufactured by Bibita Pharmaceutical Technology Joint Stock Company and distributed by Fujifrance Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Joint Stock Company, both based in Hanoi. The Drug Administration of Vietnam has ordered both companies to halt distribution and sales, and recall the entire batch nationwide. The companies must also accept returned products, destroy them, and report the results to the Drug Administration of Vietnam by 17/10.

Authorities have also requested the Hanoi Department of Health to inspect the manufacturing and business operations of the two companies, focusing on their product registration and labeling procedures for sun protection factors. A representative from the Drug Administration of Vietnam stated that if any evidence of counterfeit production or sales is found, the case will be transferred to law enforcement.

Le Nga