On April 23, 2026, the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) issued a critical warning regarding the consumption of infant nutritional products through unofficial channels such as “hand-carried” (xách tay) goods or social media marketplaces. These products bypass official quality control, posing significant health risks.
1. Risk of Contamination and Global Food Incidents
Acting Director Chu Quoc Thinh emphasized that even high-end international brands are susceptible to safety failures:
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Recent Incidents: Suspected rodenticide contamination in certain weaning products and the voluntary recall of Aptamil First Infant Formula in the UK due to bacterial Cereulide toxins.
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The “Grey Market” Threat: Although not officially imported, these hazardous batches can still penetrate the Vietnamese market via e-commerce platforms or personal luggage, escaping regulatory oversight.
2. Disparities in Nutritional Thresholds
Addressing the consumer preference for “domestic foreign goods” (overseas products intended for local consumption), the VFA highlighted:
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Localized Formulas: Each country establishes specific nutritional thresholds (vitamins, minerals, fiber) tailored to its population’s unique growth requirements.
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Appropriateness over Origin: A foreign formula is not inherently superior; it must align with the specific nutritional needs and safety regulations of the country where it is consumed.
3. Regulatory Gaps in Unofficial Distribution
“Hand-carried” goods lack the essential safety net provided by official distribution:
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No Accountability: There is no legal representative in Vietnam to handle quality complaints or manage recalls.
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Absence of Pre-market Inspection: These goods do not undergo the mandatory safety and hygiene inspections required for official circulation in Vietnam.
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E-commerce Vulnerability: Digital storefronts often serve as primary hubs for distributing these unverified products.
4. Regulatory Enforcement Actions
In response to these risks, the VFA has coordinated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to:
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Suspend Violating Listings: Mandating e-commerce platforms to immediately halt the sale of non-compliant batches.
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Information Removal: Delisting quality-compromised products and taking legal action against violators.
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Public Advice: Consumers are urged to buy only from transparent sources with official importers and quality registrations to ensure their children’s safety.