Following revelations made by the Chinese media, who stated that their satay might contain a toxic cancer-causing substance, Vietnamese authorities on December 21 took samples from some markets in the North for testing.
The Vietnam Food Administration and the Ministry of Health investigated markets in Hanoi and the northern provinces in order to collect food samples of the Chinese satay (or pot-au-feu spices).
The revelation has caused fear in Vietnam as many people have used these spices for years.
In Dong Xuan market, the biggest wholesale market in Hanoi, Chinese products are displayed besides locally-made satay and other spices. China’s satay is sold at VND10, 000 a pack.
In addition, Chinese products have no expiry date on their packaging and no Vietnamese language labeling.
Nguyen Thanh Phong, deputy head of the administration, said Chinese companies have not announced the quality of these products in Vietnam. Furthermore, the display of these products in this country violates Vietnam’s food hygiene and safety regulations.
Phong warned Vietnamese customers to be careful in selecting and buying products that have no clear indications of its origin.
