The authorities in Luang Prabang have confiscated and destroyed large packets of fake Monosodium glutamate (MSG) seasoning packages and other expired items concealed in sandbags.
Authorities from the Office of Industry and Commerce in Luang Prabang searched 12 businesses and seized over 170 expired and counterfeit goods, including MSG seasoning, detergent, and stainless steel sponges valued at LAK 412 million or over USD 22,000.
Numerous goods were also turned over to the police as part of legal proceedings and would be destroyed in the future.
Among the confiscated items were stainless steel sponges which were deemed safe to use after investigation and authorities arranged for them to be distributed to locals living nearby.
The office said the purpose of seizing the expired items was to protect the lives, health, property, and rights of consumers in the province.
This month, the Department of Industry and Commerce in Luang Namtha province also confiscated and destroyed a large pile of MSG, after discovering them to be fake products.
