Couple Arrested in Vietnam for Producing 3,000 Tons of Noodles with Harmful Chemicals

In a significant crackdown on food safety violations, Ho Chi Minh City police have arrested a couple accused of a large-scale operation involving the production and distribution of contaminated instant noodles. Phạm Tuấn Thanh and Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Phụng are alleged to have produced and sold over 2,800 tons of "mì tươi" (fresh noodles) laced with banned industrial chemicals, including borax and liquid glass. These substances were reportedly added to improve the noodles' texture, prevent them from becoming mushy, and significantly extend their shelf life, from a natural 8 hours to around 2 days. This illicit operation, which allegedly began in 2014, poses a serious threat to public health. The authorities' swift action in seizing nearly 700kg of noodles and the harmful ingredients highlights their commitment to ensuring food safety standards. The investigation continues, aiming to uncover the full extent of this network and hold all responsible parties accountable for endangering consumers.