Vintechpharm Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Company faces accusations of manufacturing and selling over 1,2 million fake vitamin C effervescent tablet bottles. These products contained sodium benzoate levels 20-33 times higher than allowed and lacked many ingredients listed on the label.

Test results revealed that the sodium benzoate content in four product samples ranged from 4,18% to 6,78%, significantly exceeding the declared maximum of 0,2%.

According to Master of Pharmacy Nguyen Thanh Tam, Deputy Head of the Pharmacy Department at Phuong Dong General Hospital, sodium benzoate is permitted within specific limits. Its safety depends on the concentration, consumption amount, and the user.

"The primary concern is not just the presence of sodium benzoate, but that the tested levels are substantially higher than what was declared," Mr. Tam stated.

In sensitive individuals, sodium benzoate can cause hives, skin irritation, or digestive discomfort. Under certain conditions, this substance can also form benzene when vitamin C is present in a suitable environment.

Some studies have also raised questions about sodium benzoate's potential effects on behavior in children, gut microbiota, and oxidative stress with high exposure. However, it is important to note that not all products containing sodium benzoate necessarily cause these adverse effects.

For children, controlling the amount is critical because exposure dosage is assessed by weight. A small amount of preservative in a product could become a significant exposure level for young children if the dosage is incorrect or the product contains abnormal levels.

Doctor Nguyen Huy Hoang, a member of the Vietnam Association of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, agrees that the significantly higher sodium benzoate content in the tested samples compared to the declared level is a serious issue regarding product quality and safety, especially since children may use this product.

However, Mr. Hoang cautioned against equating "exceeding the limit by 33 times" with "33 times more toxic" or assuming that users will definitely suffer poisoning, liver and kidney damage, or cancer. He explained: "The impact depends on the actual concentration, the amount consumed, the duration of exposure, and each individual's health." Therefore, people should stop using suspicious products, monitor their health, and await test results and medical evaluations to determine the risk, avoiding unnecessary panic.

Seized effervescent vitamin C boxes. Photo: Public security provided

According to police reports, tests did not detect several ingredients advertised on the label, such as centella asiatica, vitamin B1, B3, B6, and other active compounds. Mr. Tam believes this directly affects the product's value and integrity. Consumers have a right to expect that the ingredients listed on the label are present in appropriate amounts.

If the advertised vitamins or active compounds are absent, users will not receive the expected benefits. This issue is more serious for children, as parents often select products based on labels and purported uses. When the actual ingredients do not match the claims, parents lack the basis to assess the benefits and risks for their children.

Experts recommend that families stop using the product. If a child has consumed it but shows no unusual symptoms, parents should not be overly concerned or attempt self-medication for "detoxification." If a child exhibits signs such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or any other unusual symptoms, they should be taken to a medical facility for examination.

When seeking medical attention, it is advisable to bring the product or its packaging so that doctors can identify the product type and exposure level. The absence of immediate symptoms after use does not guarantee absolute product safety. Conversely, parents should not conclude that their child has been poisoned without a doctor's assessment.

Parents should retain the product packaging, bottle, lot number, expiration date, and purchase location information to assist with verification. Hanoi Police urge individuals and organizations who have purchased or used these products to contact the Economic Police Department to provide information for the investigation.

Le Nga