On 26/4, Phung and her husband Pham Tuan Thanh, both 44 years old, were temporarily detained by the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police. They are under investigation for violating food safety regulations.
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Nguyen Thi My Phung and her husband were arrested. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
Last week, the Economic Police Department, in coordination with other professional units, simultaneously inspected the My Phung business household's production facility in Tan Tao ward (formerly Binh Tan district). Authorities also checked multiple distribution points in Phu Dinh ward and Binh Dong ward.
During the inspections, officers seized nearly 700 kg of fresh noodles, over 10 kg of borax, 27 plastic cans containing liquid glass (sodium silicate), and various chemicals and food colorings of unknown origin.
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Inside the fresh noodle production facility using chemicals. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
Investigation results revealed that My Phung and her husband began producing egg noodles and yellow noodles in 2014. To make the noodles chewier, prevent them from breaking down, and extend their shelf life from eight hours to two days, they directly mixed borax and liquid glass into the production process.
These industrial chemicals are prohibited for use in food due to their harmful effects on consumer health. Police estimate that from its inception until its discovery, the facility released over 2,800 tons of fresh noodles containing these banned substances onto the market.
The case is undergoing an expanded investigation to clarify the responsibilities of individuals and organizations involved in distributing these products.
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Fresh noodles were mixed with borax and liquid glass for chewiness and extended preservation. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
This marks the second case of fresh noodle production containing banned substances discovered by Ho Chi Minh City Police. Previously, Vuong Luong Toan and accomplices operated with similar methods in Phu Thanh ward (formerly Tan Phu district) from Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 until now.
These actions demonstrate the determination of the Ho Chi Minh City Police force in combating and prosecuting legal violations, environmental crimes, food safety offenses, and protecting consumer health.
Quoc Thang
