Previously, functional forces inspected the production workshop of My Phung business household in Tan Tao ward (old Binh Tan district) and many consumption points in Phu Dinh ward, Binh Dong ward. Through inspection, functional agencies seized nearly 700kg of fresh noodles, more than 10kg of borax (Borax), 27 plastic cans containing liquid glass (Sodium Silicate) and many chemicals and colorings of unknown origin.
Investigation results show that since 2014, this facility has produced egg noodles, yellow noodles and directly mixed borax and liquid glass into the processing process to make noodles more chewy, not mushy, and extend the shelf life from 8 hours to 2 days. These are all industrial chemicals banned from use in food due to serious harm to health. It is estimated that more than 2,800 tons of fresh noodles containing banned substances have been put on the market.
This figure has been shocking, but more worrying is that the mixing of liquid glass into food is not the first time it has been discovered.
Previously, in early 2026, also in Ho Chi Minh City, functional agencies discovered and temporarily seized more than 3 tons of pre-processed snail meat, all soaked in liquid glass solution. Expanding the inspection, functional forces continued to seize an additional 1,575kg of this chemical hidden for processing.
According to food safety experts, Silicate Sodium is not a food additive and is not allowed to be used in any dosage. When it enters the body, this substance can cause damage to the digestive mucosa, accumulate toxicity, and have long-term effects on the liver and kidneys. Worryingly, consumers can hardly recognize it by common sense.
Intentionally introducing industrial chemicals into food not only distorts the nature of business operations, but also turns daily meals into a source of unpredictable toxic hazards.
The question is why such dangerous behaviors still exist? The answer lies in profit. Just adding a small amount of chemicals, the product can last longer, be more eye-catching and easier to consume. But the price to pay is pushed to consumers. This is no longer purely commercial fraud, but a degeneration of business ethics when benefits are put above public health.
Notably, most cases are only detected after a long time, when the amount of violating products has been circulated on a large scale. This shows that functional agencies cannot only react, but need to proactively prevent.
First of all, it is necessary to strongly shift from phased inspections to regular and continuous supervision, especially for small-scale establishments - places with many potential risks of violations.
In addition, the level of handling needs to be sufficiently deterrent, considering the act of introducing industrial chemicals into food as a serious violation of public health. At the same time, traceability and strict control of the supply chain need to be promoted.
In the opposite direction, consumers also need to raise awareness, choose products with clear origins, and proactively reflect when detecting abnormal signs.
Only when functional agencies are more drastic and consumers are no longer indifferent can the food market be cleaned up. Then, toxic substances such as liquid glass will no longer have the opportunity to creep into every family's meals.
