Nguyen Cong Khuong, 50, owner of the Dai Khuong production facility, was prosecuted and temporarily detained for investigation into the crime of producing and trading counterfeit food. The decision was implemented by the Bac Ninh Provincial Police Investigation Agency on 13/3.

Police serve the prosecution decision to Nguyen Cong Khuong. Photo: Police provided

According to police, in 2023, Khuong self-declared his white vinegar product, stating its ingredients included vinegar concentrate and purified water. Legitimate vinegar production requires natural fermentation of ingredients like rice, apples, or fruits through biological processes. However, Khuong used the food additive acetic acid, mixing it solely with raw filtered water to produce his edible vinegar, without adding any other components.

Following this, the facility owner applied labels to the bottles, falsely claiming the product was "100% natural white vinegar" to deceive consumers. These products were then sold in the market for use as a condiment in dipping sauces or for cooking.

The vinegar production area. Photo: Police provided

During an inspection of the Dai Khuong production facility in Thanh Hoai residential group, Tri Qua ward, in January, police confiscated nearly 7,500 half-liter bottles of white vinegar. Also seized were 150 kg of acetic acid food additive, bottle caps, product labels, and various tools and equipment used in the production of the fake vinegar.