Authorities pursue charges for counterfeit cosmetics case linked to former web star singer
DONG NAI—Authorities have initiated legal action against EBC Đòng Nai Medical Plant JSC, a Vietnamese cosmetics company, for producing and selling counterfeit products, following an investigation into false sunscreen claims promoted by actress Đoàn Di Băng.
On April 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Drug Testing Institute found that the SPF-50 rating on Hanayuki Sunscreen Body, a product backed by Di Băng, was significantly overstated, with a tested SPF level of only 2.4—a mere 4.8% of the claimed effectiveness. The discovery prompted an urgent meeting among the People's Procuracy, the Department of Health, and other officials in the province, who raised concerns about the sunglasses and shampoo under the Hanayuki brand, distributed by the company owned by Di Băng's husband.
The EBC Đòng Nai Medical Factory, based in Giang Điền Industrial Park, collaborated with VB Group Trading Service Company Limited in HCM City to produce the Hanayuki Sunscreen Body. Meanwhile, the Hanayuki Shampoo was found to be below quality standards for microbial limits, with test results indicating 470,000 colony-forming units per gram—far exceeding the acceptable limit.
Investigations have also uncovered that the factory produced and sold a substantial quantity of the sunscreen, with 1,652 units sold at a price of VNĐ99,000 each, amounting to VNĐ163.5 billion in potential revenue from the counterfeit goods.
The Department of Health has issued an administrative violation record and imposed penalties on the company. Subsequently, both products have been recalled. The Drug Administration has already pulled the Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices certification from EBC Đông Nai due to safety standards violations, and VB Group's registration of new cosmetic products has been suspended for six months.
In recent times, numerous counterfeit products, including fake medicines and substandard health supplements, have come to light, causing public outcry. The ongoing investigation into Di Băng brings increased scrutiny to an industry under review as authorities crack down on deceptive advertising by public figures.
Public figures promoting cosmetic products, including Di Băng, face potential accountability as the legal system strengthens its stance against counterfeit and substandard products. Recent developments underscore an emerging trend in Vietnam, where celebrities are being held responsible for overstated product claims. The Ministry of Health has established 15 inspection teams to monitor pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other related products across the nation.
A screenshot of Đoàn Di Băng, 36, a former singer and actress, promoting beauty products on social media. - VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp
As the investigation progresses, penalties for the involved companies and individuals will be determined. The legal system's response signals a stricter approach to counterfeit and substandard products, and in particular, those promoted by celebrities and online influencers.
- The developments in the investigation of Đoań Di Baṅ and the counterfeit sunscreen products produced by EBC Đòng Nai Medical Plant JSC highlight an increasing focus on health-and-wellness products, including skin-care, in the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice.
- The collaboration between EBC Đòng Nai Medical Factory and VB Group Trading Service Company Limited in the production of the substandard Hanayuki Sunscreen Body and Shampoo raises questions about the science and quality involved in the medicine and fashion-and-beauty industries.
- As the legal action unfolds, the labor sector, particularly those associated with the production and distribution of health-related products, may face increased scrutiny regarding the ethical and legal responsibilities in their manufacturing processes.
- The stricter legal response towards counterfeit and substandard products, as demonstrated in the Đoàn Di Baṅ case, may impact the lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty industries, as well as the law-enforcement sector's approach to crime-and-justice regarding deceptive advertising by public figures.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, stakeholders must uphold standards of AI and advanced science to ensure the accuracy and safety of product claims to maintain consumer trust and avoid future incidents.
- As more cases of substandard products emerge, authorities may establish stronger regulations to enhance the credibility of the health, medicine, and cosmetics industries, leading to a safer and more ethical lifestyle for consumers.
