Investigation into reports of moldy garlic pork rinds at Bach Hoa Xanh: Official findings

The Department of Industry and Trade of Khanh Hoa province has issued an official response regarding a customer report alleging that pork rinds (top mo) at a Bach Hoa Xanh outlet (129-131 Duong Hien Quyen, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang City) were spoiled and moldy, posing health risks.

According to the complaint, the customer purchased the garlic pork rinds on August 19 and noticed an unusual bitter taste. Upon inspection, they discovered green mold on the product, which was followed by symptoms including sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The case was subsequently submitted to the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee's incident reporting system.

The Khanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade directed the Market Surveillance Agency to verify the incident. Records showed the product was stocked on May 29, 2026, produced on May 26, 2026, and had an expiration date of August 26, 2026. The store provided all required self-declaration documents for the product.

Regarding the customer's health, the store management reached out to address the issue. A medical report dated August 22 diagnosed the customer with 'acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis,' but doctors could not confirm a direct link between these conditions and the consumption of the pork rinds. Bach Hoa Xanh subsequently refunded the product and covered the customer's medical expenses.

Representatives from Market Surveillance Team No. 1 stated that by the time of the inspection, the batch in question had been sold out, and the complainant no longer possessed the product samples needed for quality testing. Lacking physical evidence, authorities could not conclude that the product was defective as alleged. The complainant has since requested the withdrawal of the complaint against the store.