Workshop producing thousands of tons of fake iodized salt discovered

Van Thi On, director of Kieu Hung Company Limited, is accused of instructing workers to mix one packet of iodine with 3-5 tons of salt, selling thousands of tons of fake iodized salt to the market.

Van Thi On, 68, director of Kieu Hung Company Limited, was prosecuted by Dak Lak Provincial Police on 12/2 for producing counterfeit food. Her company, specializing in iodized salt production in Thanh Nhat ward, was found to have produced and sold thousands of tons of fake iodized salt.

According to police, on 22/12/2025, the Economic Police Department inspected Kieu Hung Company Limited and discovered over 35 tons of packaged iodized salt, along with various vehicles, machinery, and related exhibits.

Packets of fake iodized salt after production. Photo: Ngoc Oanh.

Forensic science institute in Da Nang City analyzed 15 samples of iodized salt, determining that the iodine content ranged from 2,57 to 5,93 mg/kg. This is significantly lower than the 20 to 40 mg/kg declared on the packaging.

On stated that before 2024, when the state provided free iodine, she instructed workers to mix one packet of iodine (30-50 g) with one ton of salt to produce iodized salt. However, from 2024, after the state stopped providing free iodine, the director instructed employees to use one packet of iodine to mix with two tons or more of finished salt to cut costs and increase profits.

Since approximately October 2025, the company has been using one packet of iodine to mix with three to four tons of finished salt.

Investigations revealed that the company produced and sold an average of 4-5 tons of fake iodized salt daily. In 2025, the business sold 1,700 tons, primarily in Dak Lak and Lam Dong provinces. During the expanded investigation, police seized an additional 3,3 tons of fake iodized salt already sold on the market.