The sale of a batch of Samurai energy drink, manufactured by Coca Cola Việt Nam, has been suspended. – Illustrative Photo vietnamnet.vn |
HÀ NỘI — The Health Ministry Inspectorate has suspended the sale of an additional batch of a beverage produced by Coca Cola Việt Nam for violating food safety regulations.
An administrative fine of VNĐ433 million (US$19,300) has also been imposed on the company.
The affected product comprises 240ml glass bottles of strawberry-flavoured Samurai energy drink.
The level of Vitamin B9 (folic acid) in the drink is reportedly lower than the level declared on the product’s label.
The total value of the above-mentioned drink that had been sold was more than VNĐ233 million ($10,350).
Three of the company’s manufacturing bases in Hà Nội, HCM City and Đà Nẵng failed to present food safety certificates issued for production bases, Nguyễn Văn Nhiên, the health ministry’s deputy chief inspector, said yesterday.
The penalties were imposed following a 45-day inspection conducted by the health ministry at Coca-Cola Việt Nam Company to check its distributors and suppliers of ingredients, additives, processing aids and containers, starting from June 21.
Last month, the health ministry pulled 13 beverages of Coca-Cola Việt Nam from store shelves.
The listed products include Minute Maid Nutriboost milk in orange, strawberry and mango flavours, Samurai energy drink in strawberry flavour, Minute Maid TEPPY Orange Drink, and Aquarius sports drink, besides Dasani bottled water and Minute Maid Splash Smooth. — VNS