HCM CITY – Authorities in HCM City have tightened control of harmful food additives for the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Lao Động (Labour) newspaper, reports that locals’ demand for cakes, jams, and candies has significantly increased for the holiday.

However, the plethora of products makes it difficult for them to spot whether a food item is authentic or fake.

Consumption of fake products with unclear origins can be detrimental to locals’ health, the newspaper said

Bình Tây Market sells most of the cakes, jams and candies for Tết. These food items can be bought by kilo, with each kilo typically selling under VNĐ100,000.

Most products sold in Bình Tây Market have clear origins and legal documents with them.

In addition to traditional markets, locals can find Tết food items online where cakes, jams, and candies are packed in boxes, varying from five to 20 kilos per box.

Fruits like cherries and grapes are sold at a high price, while candied products are much cheaper.

Some residents have questioned the differences in price.

According to the HCM City Food Management Board, some food manufacturers, to gain more revenue, have used industrial additives in food processing or legally permitted additives but in the wrong concentration.

Colourful food products might have a high concentration of Rhodamine B, aspartame and other unhealthy ingredients that can cause sickness, the board said.

Food inspections

The HCM City Food Management Board has increased the number of food inspections in some popular markets such as Kim Biên and Bình Tây to ensure safe food supply.

Đỗ Xuân Trường, deputy head of the Kim Biên Market Management Board, said the market has 534 booths which are operated by 316 households, 16 of which sell food additives.

Though all households have official business licenses and have taken food safety training courses, the large number of additives sold makes it difficult for authorities to control.

Locals should be careful with colourful food items as they may contain unhealthy food additives, authorities said.

“Locals should buy products with clear origins and take a look at the ingredient list and expiry date, among other information on each product,” Phạm Khánh Phong Lan, head of the HCM City Food Management Board, said. – VNS