Be careful when using functional foods

DNO - Dietary supplements have become a popular choice for many people. However, if consumers are not alert, use them incorrectly or believe too much in exaggerated advertisements, the consequences may not only be losing money, but also having to trade with their health, even their lives.

The Food Safety and Hygiene Department organizes many interdisciplinary inspections on food safety. Photo: XH

Hype - an unpredictable trap

Recently, the functional food market has continuously recorded many cases of poor quality products, even products containing banned substances being discovered.

Typically, in November 2024, the Food Safety Department ( Ministry of Health ) warned and recommended that consumers not buy or use the product Tigi Max Plus - a fast weight loss pill that helps eliminate excess fat quickly. This product contains the active ingredient Sibutramine, which has been banned from circulation because it causes dangerous effects on the heart and blood pressure.

Not only that, currently on social networks, functional food advertisements are rampant with flowery introductions such as "cure all diseases", "miraculous effects after just a few days", "100% natural family recipe"... Many KOLs and Influencers even borrow the names of doctors and experts to increase their credibility.

Violations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, such as organizing disguised seminars to sell products; taking advantage of e-commerce platforms; and even some pharmacies are assisting by providing false advice, turning functional foods into "miracle drugs".

The latest is the advertisement for the supplement product Supergreens Gummies (also known as Kera vegetable candy) with misleading information such as "one tablet replaces a plate of green vegetables".

Kera Vegetable Candy - a functional food that has caused a stir in public opinion recently with misleading information such as "one pill replaces a plate of green vegetables". Illustrative photo

According to Article 27 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, all advertisements for functional foods must register their content with the competent authority; at the same time, they must not use images of medical staff or content that can be confused with drugs.

However, as the Ministry of Health reflects, violations are still common due to limited post-inspection work and sanctions not being strong enough to deter.

Be alert in choosing safe food

The health sector has implemented a series of solutions such as: handling websites and social networks that violate the law; increasing inspection of seminar activities, supervising pharmacies; disseminating knowledge about functional foods to people, especially in industrial parks and remote areas.

In particular, in April this year, the old Quang Nam Department of Health directed inter-sectoral coordination to review and recall fake products; at the same time, it warned people to be vigilant against false advertisements online.

Advertising using images of doctors or experts that are not real or beyond their authority is a violation of advertising laws. There needs to be a mechanism for transparently disclosing product information, allowing consumers to look up and verify the origin of the product.

The Ministry of Health also requires localities to publicize the list of violating products and establishments on the media; organize propaganda on the commune and ward radio systems. In particular, strictly prohibit health workers from participating in false advertising of functional foods; functional sectors organize random testing of the quality of functional foods in circulation.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Cam, Head of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department, recommends: People need to carefully check the information on the packaging and QR codes to trace the origin; do not believe in advertising videos with unclear identities, especially those of "online" doctors and absolutely do not use functional foods to replace medicine.

When in need of use, consult a doctor or pharmacist at a licensed medical facility, especially if you are taking medication. The combination of prescription drugs and functional foods sometimes causes bad interactions, affecting the liver, kidneys or metabolic system.

Dietary supplements are only a supportive solution. There is no “miracle drug” that can replace medicine. Staying alert and making smart choices is the key to protecting your health and your family’s.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/can-trong-khi-su-dung-thuc-pham-chuc-nang-3305219.html