However, the Ho Chi Minh City Market Management Department has yet to confirm whether these popular items are imported legally.

During a socio-economic meeting held this afternoon, Nguyen Quang Huy, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Market Management Department, discussed the city’s ongoing efforts to regulate mooncake sales.

He noted that the local market has diversified significantly in recent years, with products entering through both official and unofficial channels, as well as those produced locally.

The spotlighted mochi mooncakes, which have become a "hot trend" on e-commerce platforms and social media, are under particular scrutiny. These cakes, weighing 500 grams each and priced between 55,000 to over 100,000 VND, are notably cheaper than traditional varieties, which typically range from 150-250 grams.

Given the potential food safety risks associated with these products, the Market Management Department has intensified inspections and has handled 24 food-related violations since the beginning of August. Specifically concerning mooncakes, the authorities have detained 15,749 units valued at over 150 million VND.

Despite the popularity of the mochi mooncakes, authorities have yet to establish a basis for considering them contraband. The Department continues to monitor this trend closely, urging teams to pay special attention to these products.

To ensure public safety and prevent the sale of illicit goods during the festival season, the Market Management forces are collaborating with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety to enhance inspections at production facilities, focusing particularly on the origins of ingredients and food additives.

The Market Management Department advises consumers to purchase from reputable stores and brands registered with regulatory bodies, ensuring clear product origins and compliance.

For online purchases, buyers should demand full disclosure regarding the product’s origins and manufacturing details. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities or products to the authorities for prompt action.

Bach Duong