The “Knorr Daring” seasoning powder from Unilever Bestfoods & Elida P/S Vietnam is marketed as a natural alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG), with the label stating: more natural than MSG. However, test results reveal that “Knorr Daring” contains up to 30% MSG!
MSG and Flavor Enhancer 621: Two in One!
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Part concerning the violation of labeling regulations on the packaging |
According to the test result dated September 26, 2005, from the Technical Center for Standards, Metrology, and Quality 3 regarding Knorr Daring (sample taken on September 23, 2005), the results are as follows:
– Total sugar content calculated as sucrose by weight is 12.8%.
– Salt content by weight is 53.8%.
– Protein content by weight is 13.7%.
– Monosodium glutamate (MSG) content by weight is 30%.
Thus, it is clear that the seasoning powder “Knorr Daring” contains MSG, yet the product label prints “more natural than MSG” and “use Knorr Daring to replace MSG/seasoning when cooking for balanced and natural flavors.” This labeling has led consumers to believe it is a new product that does not contain MSG.
Another ambiguous point is the flavor enhancer 621 listed in the ingredients of “Knorr Daring.” According to the regulations on permitted food additives from the Food Safety and Hygiene Administration, 621 is Monosodium Glutamate, which is indeed the English term for MSG! Therefore, “Knorr Daring” lacks transparency with consumers.
In terms of quality declaration, “Knorr Daring” is not in violation as it does list MSG in its ingredients, but it does not specify that it is MSG.
The Disadvantage Falls on Consumers
After analyzing the components of Knorr Daring, it becomes evident that consumers are misled by confusing terminology—a form of “deceptive ambiguity.” We interviewed housewives who frequently use seasoning powders, and the common response was: “I use Knorr because it is a higher-quality product than MSG.” Yet, it contains MSG in significant amounts!
The second disadvantage is that the ingredients of Knorr seasoning should be labeled as seasoning powder, as this product consists of over half salt, sugar, and MSG (according to Vietnamese standards for seasoning powder in terms of terminology and definitions), but it is not clearly labeled and is sold at a price significantly higher than that of regular seasoning powder. A representative from the Ministry of Health’s inspection stated: “The product contains MSG but lists it by code, so how can ordinary consumers know? For those allergic to MSG, thinking this product does not contain it, they buy it, use it, and may affect their health. What then?”
Regulatory Authorities: Some Ban, Some Delay!
The Ministry of Health’s inspectorate issued document number 757/TTra-CV2 on October 13, 2005, requesting the suspension of the distribution of Knorr Daring due to incorrect labeling. According to the inspectorate, the product label states “more natural than MSG” and “use Knorr Daring to replace MSG/seasoning when cooking for balanced and natural flavors,” while the product contains a significant amount of MSG.
On October 14, 2005, the Market Management Department sent document number 395QLTT-PCKT to provincial and city market management units to halt the sale of this product for recovery and corrective measures, stating that after October 24, 2005, legal action would be taken against remaining sellers.
However, on October 21, 2005, the Ministry of Trade issued a document (signed by Deputy Minister Phan The Rue) regarding the handling of labeling violations for “Knorr Daring,” stating: “the labeling violations mainly were due to not labeling the product as registered initially, causing confusion for consumers,” and suggested temporarily suspending the implementation of document 395/QLTT-PCKT (!). The deadline for this document will be announced by the Director of the Market Management Department after further discussions with Unilever Vietnam and other regulatory bodies.
For consumers, learning how to read product labels to choose the right product is becoming futile!
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“Knorr Daring”: High-priced Seasoning Powder! According to the test results from the Technical Center for Standards, Metrology, and Quality 3, the composition of “Knorr Daring seasoning powder” includes salt (53.8%), sugar (12.8%), MSG (30%), and protein (13.7%). Thus, this seasoning powder is clearly a seasoning product as defined by Vietnamese standards (TCVN 7396: 2004). However, the manufacturer does not label it as seasoning powder but rather as “Knorr Daring – a versatile seasoning product.” The retail price of 200g seasoning products from companies like Thien Huong, A-One, Miwon, Hai Chau, and Phu Cuong ranges from 1,200 – 1,800 VND/package, while “Knorr Daring” 180g is priced at 5,000 VND/package. Consumer Opinions Mr. Ha Ky Nhu, residing in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City: “My family used to use MSG for seasoning. Each time I used MSG, I experienced cold allergies at the back of my neck. So, I stopped eating MSG. When I heard that “Knorr Daring” could replace MSG, I bought it, but after eating, I experienced coldness at my neck again. I think this product must contain MSG. Today, after reading information about the Knorr issue on Sai Gon Tiep Thi online, I realize my feelings were correct.” Ms. Hoang Hue, living in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, who regularly uses Knorr products, commented: “I don’t like using MSG, so when I heard Knorr advertised that it could replace MSG and provide harmonious flavors, I bought it for my family. My family has trusted and used it in all dishes. When I learned that Knorr contains 30% MSG, I felt deceived and even more upset thinking about how I had been using MSG in uncontrolled amounts all this time.” |
