On 1/6, the Ninh Binh Provincial Police Investigation Agency initiated legal proceedings against Duong Manh Hien, 31, and Pham Thi Thu, 50, both residing in Yen Tu commune. They were prohibited from leaving their place of residence as part of an investigation into violations of food safety regulations, under Article 317 of the Penal Code.
An inspection of the banh duc production facility owned by Duong Manh Hien in Cau hamlet, Yen Tu commune, led to the discovery and seizure of nearly 470 kg of banh duc, valued at over 11 million VND, containing borax. This operation was conducted by the Economic Police Department in coordination with the Food Safety Sub-Department of the Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Health. Borax (sodium tetraborate) is not an approved food additive for food processing under current regulations.
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Investigation agency reads the indictment to Duong Manh Hien and Pham Thi Thu. Photo: Police provided. |
Investigation agency reads the indictment to Duong Manh Hien and Pham Thi Thu. Photo: Police provided.
Investigation results indicate that during banh duc production, Hien instructed Thu to use borax to make the product appear shinier, enhance its chewiness and crispiness, shorten processing time, and extend its shelf life before being sold to consumers.
Authorities warn that using borax in food processing poses potential health risks to consumers and violates food safety regulations.
Le Hoang
