Multiple pharmacies, cosmetic firms fined in Ho Chi Minh City

Department inspectors cited offenses including selling prescription drugs without prescriptions, trading products of unclear origin, operating without valid professional certification, and manufacturing cosmetics inconsistent with approved documentation.

Among those penalized, Minh Khuong Trading Company in District 1 received the steepest fine—VND150 million (US$5,740)—for misleading consumers by labeling and promoting food and cosmetic items in a way that implied they were medicinal drugs.

The company also sold cosmetics that did not match the formulas submitted in its registration documents.

Minh Sang Pharmaceutical Trading Co., Ltd. in District 10 was fined VND139 million ($5,320) and ordered to destroy 20 types of untraceable medications.

Its violations included selling pharmaceuticals without a license, distributing products of unknown origin, and failing to implement a computerized distribution management system as required by law.

Elken International Vietnam Co., Ltd. in District 3 was fined VND50 million ($1,910) and required to recall and dispose of non-compliant cosmetic products.

Several retail pharmacies were also targeted in the crackdown, including Minh Chau 18 Pharmacy in District 6, Huu Nghi 2 Pharmacy in District 4, Thanh Mau Pharmacy in District 3, Thong Nhat Pharmacy in District 6, Tam An 7 Pharmacy in District 12, and Funny Pharma in District 1.

They were booked for selling prescription medications without prescriptions, operating without valid licenses, and selling products with unclear origins.

Health officials said that inspections will continue and that regulations in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors will be strictly enforced to protect public health.

Residents are advised to buy medicines and cosmetics only from licensed vendors that meet professional standards and clearly display product origin and approval details.