
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security said the 26-year-old beauty queen is under investigation for allegedly deceiving consumers.
Miss Grand International 2021 Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien. Photo from Tien’s Threads |
Authorities found that Tien held a 30% profit share in the Kera Supergreens Gummies business, which she co-owned with other investors
In December 2024, Tien publicly promoted the product alongside influencers Pham Quang Linh and Nguyen Thi Thai Hang. On Facebook, she marketed the gummies as a healthy snack containing “the equivalent of one plate of vegetables per gummy,” suitable for all ages.
Controversy arose when a customer submitted the product for independent testing at Quality Assurance and Testing Center 2. The results showed each 30-gummy box contained only 0.51 grams of fiber—far less than claimed. Following the backlash, Tien removed all promotional posts from her social media.
At the request of the Ministry of Health’s Food Safety Department, the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Management Authority conducted an official test. While the product’s sugar, protein, fat, and energy levels matched its registered self-declaration, authorities noted the packaging failed to mention its fiber content—despite being advertised as a fiber supplement. The product was subsequently declared “counterfeit.”
Investigators revealed that the gummies’ vegetable powder ingredient was supposed to be sourced from VietGAP-certified farms. However, production staff were instructed to use substandard powder with fiber levels of only 0.61–0.75%, while falsely claiming it contained 28%.
Furthermore, the gummies reportedly contained 35% sorbitol—an artificial sweetener with laxative effects—along with undisclosed additives. Consumers were led to believe that the gummies aided digestion due to natural vegetable fiber, when the actual laxative effect came from the high sorbitol content.
The product was widely promoted across social media and digital platforms with misleading slogans, such as “one gummy equals one plate of vegetables.” Authorities confirmed that over 135,000 units had been sold to more than 30,000 customers, generating over VND17 billion (US$655,093) in revenue.
Following the investigation, Tien, Linh, and Hang were summoned for questioning. All three admitted to making false or misleading statements. Linh and Hang were fined VND140 million each for deceptive advertising. Tien received a VND25 million fine for failing to disclose that her social media posts were paid promotions, violating advertising transparency rules.
Hang, Linh, and two others have been then formally arrested on charges of “deceiving consumers.”
-
magicNOW Contributes 13% To magicpin's Overall Food Delivery Orders: Anshoo Sharma
-
"We destroyed all drones": Army demonstrates upgraded L-70, indigenous 'Akashteer' that foiled Pakistan's aerial assault in J-K
-
Vasai-Virar: VVMC Town Planning Deputy Director Suspended Over ₹31.85 Crore ED Money Laundering Probe
-
UK 'frogmarched' into miserable EU rules as Keir Starmer 'sells-out' Brexit voters
-
"A lifetime of memories": Meghan Markle, Prince Harry celebrate 7th wedding anniversary