Tan Hiep Phat under scrutiny for ‘overhyped’ claims

Local soft-drink maker Tan Hiep Phat (THP) has come under attack recently for claiming that its products help to prevent COVID-19.
In recent months, a series of articles appeared on social networking sites which advertise Dr Thanh drink, which uses traditional Vietnamese recipes, as a potential remedy to prevent coronavirus infection.
THP refuses to comment when approached by the media.
Apparently, THP has been using Yeah1 Group, the local media company to promote Dr Thanh drinks. Traditional medicines have often been touted as a potential remedy to the coronavirus infection in Vietnam, and spokespersons in this subject have recommended Dr Thanh herbal tea as it contains numerous medicinal properties including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, antivirus, febrifuge, and boosting the immune system among others. In other words, the item was promoted to have the ability to enhance the immune system, one of the vital factors to protecting people from the pandemic.
However, the PR articles which appear online and on social media use suggestive titles like ‘Experts recommend using herbal tea daily daily to prevent COVID-19’ which could deceive consumers into believing that Dr Thanh could prevent them from getting the infection.
Some consumers buy Dr Thanh in bulk quantity due to this misconception. These PR materials indirectly take advantage of the pandemic to boost sales of Dr Thanh products.
The PR articles actually promoted Dr Thanh as a product to help improve the immune system as it confronts the virus. However, the ambiguous statements could lead to the misconception among customers.
In April and May, the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) found and issued penalties for nearly 10 functional food products advertised as anti-coronavirus medicine on social networking sites and other websites. For promotional materials directly coming from manufacturers with the aim to boost sales, this is a criminal offense which carries a fine of up to Dong 70 million (US$3,000).
VFA is now collaborating with the Ministry of Information and Communications to handle Dr Thanh case under the local regulations.