Street-ctone moon cakes of unknown origin before the full moon
Although there is still half a month until the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival cake market has begun to be vibrant. In addition to major brands that are certified for food quality and safety, cakes of unknown origin are also rampant everywhere.
On online shopping groups, e-commerce platforms or social networking sites, it is easy to see countless advertisements for selling moon cakes with the labels "Chinese domestic goods", " hand-carried cakes" ... with eye-catching designs, the price is only half that of genuine products. Many traders affirmed that this is a "standard hand-carried item", but could absolutely not present import documents or food safety inspection certificates.
In particular, to avoid being inspected, many sellers only transact online, not allowing customers to come directly to see and receive the goods. Some even require customers to transfer money first before sending the goods, further increasing the risk to consumers.
Posing as a businessman who wanted to import a large quantity of Chinese Inland Mooncakes, the reporter contacted a link advertised on social networks. Immediately, sellers sent a diverse product portfolio with all the flavors from mixed fruits, green tea, chocolate, to melted cheese filling, durian... The price of each box ranges from only 70,000 - 150,000 VND, 1/3 cheaper than branded goods.
When asked about import documents and quality certificates, the seller quickly avoided and said: "Domestic goods, no documents. But the designs are beautiful, delicious, and many customers buy them. Only sell online, not to warehouses because I am afraid to check.
PV continues to buy on online groups, another "Inland China" moon cake shop often posts advertisements for the product of mochi moon cake with salted eggs and dates with 2 product codes of 300g and 500g and the same style of packaging 24 boxes. When the reporter expressed his desire to go to the place to import a large quantity of goods, the owner said he would only accept on-site shipping.
"It's the peak time, domestic moon cakes are in the middle of business, so I sympathize, my shop only ship them locally. You can comfortably check the goods and return them if you are not satisfied.
This type of goods is sold very well, it is very popular, I buy goods to close orders early so that I can get the quantity for myself", said Thanh Chuc - a Chinese domestic moon cake trader in the buying and selling group.
In addition to moon cakes of unknown origin, the ingredients for making cakes are also being " given up" by many people with unknown origins.
"In addition to moon cakes, my family also has cheap hot hit cakes, my family only has sales invoices without red invoices, but the quality is not advertised, I just know when I see my family's orders," the owner of the online business establishment proudly advertised.
Authorities increase inspections, consumers need to be alert
Faced with the increasing appearance of floating moon cakes, the authorities have planned to strengthen inspections and handle businesses that violate the law.
On September 20, Hanoi City Police said that Bach Mai Ward Police coordinated with Hanoi Market Management Team No. 5 to inspect and handle a case of trading in moon cakes of unknown origin.
Accordingly, during an inspection at house number 88 Le Thanh Nghi, Bach Mai ward on September 19, the authorities discovered 320 LAVA CUSTARD MOONCAKE brand moon cakes ( loai 50 gr/ cake) produced abroad without invoices or documents, with the value of the violating goods being 4,800,000 VND. The inspection team drew up a record of the temporary detention of all goods and issued a decision to sanction administrative violations according to regulations.
To ensure safety when using moon cakes and food in general, consumers need to be vigilant, only buy and use the product at reputable addresses, issue invoices, and clearly trace the origin of the product.
