Several doctors and nutritionists were featured in promotional videos for companies now implicated in producing nearly 600 fake milk products aimed at vulnerable populations, including diabetics, premature infants, kidney patients, and pregnant women.

On April 12, websites and social media pages for Rance Pharma International JSC and Hacofood Nutrition Pharmaceutical JSC - both based in Ha Dong, Hanoi - became inaccessible. These companies are central to the ongoing investigation into the production of counterfeit nutritional milk.

Previously, a 7-minute YouTube video on the “Tập đoàn Dược Quốc tế” channel promoted Hacofood Group’s manufacturing capacity, claiming over 5 million cans of various nutritional products annually. Brands mentioned included Talacmum, Darifa Gold, Kasumi, The Empire, Kawai, and Gumi Colos 24h Baby.

Among those featured in the clip was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam, former Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition. In her comments, she praised Hacofood for adhering to “strict FDA standards for food safety management.”

“This proves that mothers can feel confident when using Hacofood’s products, as they meet the rigorous requirements of the U.S. FDA,” she said.

In a statement to VietNamNet on April 13, Dr. Lam explained that in 2023 she was invited by a media agency to present Hacofood, accompanied by documentation, including FDA certifications, which she believed to be genuine.

“I have no involvement in the production,” she stated, adding that the company’s fault likely lies in failing to test the final products thoroughly. Dr. Lam noted she had visited the factory and observed a closed-loop production line with strict hygiene protocols.

Regarding the video, she said the production team did not show her the final edit, and that she didn’t make any inappropriate or misleading statements.

Meanwhile, Dr. Le Thi Hai, former Director of the Nutrition Center under the National Institute of Nutrition, was seen promoting Talacmum milk. She was introduced as a “Doctor”, though she officially holds a Master's degree.

Dr. Hai stated that Talacmum was researched and produced by Hacofood and distributed by the “International Pharmaceutical Group,” claiming it was widely available across hospitals, clinics, and retail outlets in Vietnam.

In a separate 13-minute video, she claimed the product was made with 100% imported ingredients from the Netherlands and other countries, using a modern closed-loop process. She praised the product’s high nutritional value, claiming it contained premium ingredients such as bird’s nest extract from Japan and cordyceps.

“Talacmum makes a strong impression with its exceptional benefits, offering rich energy and high nutritional value for both children and adults, boosting immunity and aiding in recovery,” she said.

However, initial police investigations revealed that these products did not contain ingredients such as bird’s nest extract, cordyceps, macadamia, or walnut powders, as advertised. Instead, substitute materials and additives were used.

Another promotional clip featured Dr. Dinh Ngoc Hoa, wearing a white coat and introduced as a pediatric specialist from Saint Paul Hospital. She recommended Kawai lactose free first Infant milk for infants with digestive issues and lactose intolerance.

However, on April 13, Dr. Nguyen Duc Long, Director of Saint Paul Hospital, confirmed to VietNamNet that no one named Dinh Ngoc Hoa appears on the hospital’s staff list.

Vo Thu