The recall was issued on 17/7, following an investigation by the Economic Police Department of Phu Tho Province that concluded the two products were counterfeit.
The Phu Tho Department of Health confirmed that Vitamin C sunscreen is distributed by Athena Vietnam Production and Trading Co., Ltd. (Phu Tho), and Sun Cream is distributed by Lovis Cosmetics Co., Ltd. (Quang Ninh).
Both products advertised an SPF of 50+ on their packaging. However, testing conducted by the Institute of Criminal Science under the Ministry of Public Security found the actual SPF ranged from 4.2% to 26.6% of the advertised value. Products with a quality index below 70% of the advertised value are classified as counterfeit under Vietnamese regulations.
The Drug Administration of Vietnam advises consumers to stop using and selling these products, return them to their point of purchase, and notify authorities. Local departments have also been instructed to recall the products and conduct broader inspections and testing of other cosmetics.
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Sun Cream sunscreen identified as counterfeit. Photo: Drug Administration of Vietnam |
Sun Cream sunscreen identified as counterfeit. Photo: Drug Administration of Vietnam
Duong Van Thiet, 44, director of Athena Vietnam Production and Trading Co., Ltd., has been arrested and is under investigation for producing and trading counterfeit goods. Phu Tho provincial investigators allege that Thiet established the company in 2019, invested in a factory, and printed sunscreen packaging claiming an SPF of 50+ and 98% UVB protection, selling the product for 63,000 to 79,000 VND per tube.
Police seized nearly 5,000 tubes of Althena brand sunscreen.
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Althena sunscreen identified as counterfeit. Photo: Police |
Althena sunscreen identified as counterfeit. Photo: Police
Health experts warn that using counterfeit products with incorrect formulas can expose users to unsafe ingredients, increasing the risk of adverse reactions and reducing health protection. Low-quality products can cause irritation, allergies, long-term skin damage, and potential poisoning from harmful substances absorbed through the skin.
Authorities have recently uncovered numerous violations at manufacturing and trading facilities, leading to the recall and destruction of many counterfeit or substandard drugs and cosmetics. In June, the Drug Administration conducted surprise inspections of 38 facilities, finding violations at 17. Inspections of 865 manufacturing, importing, and trading facilities across 20 provinces and cities revealed violations at 48.
Le Nga
