The Ministry of Health has collected samples of two beverages sold by Vietnam URC Co., Ltd., to test for lead in response to allegations it was selling poor-quality products.

The rumors went viral on the Internet recently, attracting the attention of the ministry.

An inspection team, led by Nguyen Van Nhien, deputy chief inspector of the ministry, has been tasked with evaluating the company’s adherence to food-safety regulations over a period of 15 days.

Dang Van Chinh, chief inspector of the ministry, said the tests would be conducted on the green tea C2 product and the energy drink Rong Do (Red Dragon).

Both branches of the company will come under the scanner.

Chinh said the team would work with the company and report the results of the investigation to the ministry.

Previously, the Vietnam Food Administration had collected five samples of C2 and Rong Do for tests.

Rumors that the two beverages contain high levels of lead have circulated widely on the Internet and on social networks. Samples of C2 and Rong Do were found to have a lead content of 0.087mg per litre and 0.085mg per litre, respectively, while the permissible limit is 0.05mg per litre.

The company stands accused of using low-quality citric acid as an acidity regulator in its beverages.

This year, the ministry will inspect food-safety conditions at four beverage production companies, including Coca-Cola Vietnam, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage and Wonderfarm.

VNS