A brand of powdered milk endorsed by a well-known doctor has been identified as counterfeit.

On April 23, the Ministry of Public Security revealed that twelve nutritional products - specifically powdered milk - produced by Rance Pharma International Pharmaceutical JSC and Hacofood Group JSC were found to contain less than 70% of the declared nutritional content, qualifying them as counterfeit under Vietnamese law.

Among these products were Gludiabet Talacmum, designed for special diets, and Kid Baby Talacmum, a nutritional formula for infants.

Investigations by VietNamNet journalists revealed that Dr. Le Thi Hai, former Director of the Nutrition Center at the National Institute of Nutrition, had appeared in promotional videos for Talacmum products by Hacofood. In these videos, she wore a white lab coat and spoke in detail about the ingredients and benefits of the products.

Dr. Hai claimed that Talacmum was enriched with premium ingredients such as imported Japanese bird's nest extract and cordyceps. “Talacmum provides abundant energy and high nutritional value. It’s suitable for both children and adults, helping to boost physical strength, immunity, and aid optimal recovery,” she stated.

However, according to the Ministry’s preliminary investigation, despite such claims, the products did not contain the ingredients mentioned, including bird’s nest extract, cordyceps, macadamia powder, or walnut powder. Instead, manufacturers had substituted or added certain food additives.

In a promotional clip for Gludiabet Talacmum, Dr. Hai stated that the product contained special nutrients for individuals aged 18 and above with diabetes. She cited isomalt sugar, which supposedly does not raise blood glucose levels post-meal, making it suitable for people with glucose intolerance or diabetes.

For Kid Baby Talacmum, Dr. Hai said it was designed for infants aged 0-12 months, particularly those born prematurely or with weak immune or digestive systems.

Legal implications for false advertising by doctors and public figures

Regarding the growing number of public figures - including TV hosts, actors, influencers, and doctors - engaged in misleading food product endorsements, Major General Hoang Anh Tuyen, Deputy Chief of the Ministry of Public Security’s Office and its spokesperson, emphasized that the law strictly prohibits any form of false advertising or misleading claims regarding product quantity, quality, price, utility, origin, packaging, or other attributes.

The Ministry of Health clarified that Decree 15/2018 strictly bans the use of images, uniforms, names, letters, or endorsements from any healthcare institution, doctor, pharmacist, or medical staff - whether active or retired - in advertisements for food products, including milk formula.

This regulation exists to prevent public misunderstanding and protect consumers from being misled by the perceived credibility of health professionals.

Violators of this rule can face administrative fines ranging from VND 20 million to 30 million (approximately USD 785 to USD 1,180), depending on the severity of the offense.

Major General Tuyen added that under Decree 38/2021 and Vietnam’s Penal Code, false advertising can be subject to criminal prosecution. Charges may include fraudulent advertising (Article 197), production or sale of counterfeit goods (Articles 192–195), fraud (Article 174), or abuse of trust to appropriate property (Article 175).

The Ministry of Health has repeatedly warned the public to be cautious of video clips where individuals posing as doctors or traditional healers recommend specific health products. These warnings also address the phenomenon of celebrities exaggerating the benefits of dietary supplements on social media.

According to health officials, believing in these false claims can cause patients to delay necessary medical treatment, miss their window for recovery, and ultimately suffer financial loss and health deterioration.

Vo Thu