Two individuals prosecuted for illegal use of borax in rice cake production in Ninh Binh

The Investigation Police Agency of Ninh Binh Province (Economic Police Department) has officially issued a decision to prosecute the case and the accused, Duong Manh Hien (born 1994) and Pham Thi Thu (born 1975), both residing in Yen Tu commune, Yen Mo district, for 'Violating regulations on food safety' under the Criminal Code. The suspects are currently under a travel ban pending further investigation.

Previously, during a joint inspection, the Economic Police Department collaborated with the Sub-department of Food Safety (Ninh Binh Department of Health) to conduct a surprise inspection at the rice cake production facility owned by Duong Manh Hien in Cau hamlet, Yen Tu commune. At the site, authorities discovered and seized 467 kg of finished rice cakes containing borax (sodium tetraborate), a substance not included in the list of food additives permitted for use in food processing.

Under current regulations, borax is strictly prohibited as a food additive in processing and production. Investigation results determined that Duong Manh Hien and Pham Thi Thu conspired to use this chemical in the production process to enhance the product's appearance, improve texture, shorten cooking time, and extend the shelf life before distribution to the market.

The total value of the seized non-compliant rice cakes is estimated at over 11 million VND. Authorities are continuing to expand the investigation to clarify all relevant details and enforce strict legal consequences, serving as a deterrent against food safety violations in the area.