Producing over 60,000 liters of fake vinegar from industrial acid and tap water

Le Thi Loc accused of producing over 60,000 liters of fake vinegar using industrial acetic acid diluted with tap water, distributing it to markets and grocery stores.

Loc, 34, a resident of Thien Nhan commune, has been prosecuted and temporarily detained by Nghe An Provincial Police for producing and trading counterfeit food products, under Article 193 of the Criminal Code.

Suspect Loc listens as police read the indictment. Photo: Police provided

According to the investigation, in mid-2025, Loc used a house in a mountainous area of Thien Nhan commune (formerly part of Nam Dan district) to produce vinegar. Instead of making rice vinegar through natural fermentation, Loc devised a method to increase profits and shorten production time by mixing industrial acetic acid with tap water at a ratio of two liters of acid per 100 liters of water. This mixture was then bottled in plastic containers, capped, and falsely labeled as "naturally fermented rice vinegar."

In late January, the Economic Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police raided Loc's house in Thien Nhan commune, catching several workers in the act of mixing industrial acetic acid with tap water to make vinegar. Authorities seized over 6,000 finished vinegar bottles in 258 cartons, 21,000 vinegar labels, 10 liters of industrial acetic acid, and other related exhibits at the scene.

Plastic jerrycans containing industrial acetic acid purchased by Loc for mixing and producing fake vinegar. Photo: Police provided

Authorities allege that from mid-2026 until now, Loc's facility produced over 60,000 liters of fake vinegar, which was then distributed to markets and grocery stores both within and outside the province.

According to authorities, using industrial acetic acid to make vinegar poses a severe health risk to consumers. It can lead to stomach damage, neurotoxicity, and even cancer or death if exceeding permissible limits.