According to Chu Quoc Thinh, Deputy Director of the Food Safety Authority under the Ministry of Health, the agency is reviewing the promotional materials used by Ngan 98 for products including X7 Plus herbal capsules, Super Detox X3, and X1000.

“Initial checks confirm the product has been registered,” said Mr. Thinh on May 23. “However, we are examining whether the advertising content violates regulations.”

Ngan 98 giam can.jpg
Screenshot of weight loss supplement promoted by DJ Ngan 98, currently under scrutiny.

Mr. Thinh explained that three categories of products - health supplements, nutritional foods, and special dietary items - must have their advertising content pre-approved. Common violations include unregistered product advertising, unverified promotional content, and exaggerated claims beyond what is officially registered.

“We routinely monitor social media platforms, and if we detect any of these issues, we take prompt action to ensure truthful and accurate product promotion,” he added.

Public backlash and regulatory action

Controversy erupted after allegations surfaced online claiming that one of Ngan 98’s weight loss products contained sibutramine - a banned substance known to suppress appetite but potentially harmful to health.

In response, Ngan 98 asserted that she is merely a brand ambassador and claimed all her products are properly tested and safe for consumers. She submitted documentation, including product registration papers, test results, manufacturing agreements, tax invoices, and marketing contracts, to the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department on May 22.

On May 21, the department conducted an unannounced inspection of the supplements in question. However, Ngan 98 and her distributor were unprepared to present documentation at the time. She later brought all necessary documents the next day for formal review.

Ngân 98 mang hồ sơ về viên uống giảm cân lên Sở An toàn Thực phẩm TPHCM
DJ Ngan 98 submitting product documents to Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department. Photo: Ngan 98

The packaging indicates that the weight loss products were distributed by Zubu Trading Service Co., Ltd., based in Go Vap District, HCMC, and manufactured at a facility in Dan Phuong Industrial Zone, Hanoi. However, authorities found the office closed during their May 21 inspection, and no product samples were collected.

Ngan 98 later clarified that Zubu had ceased operations two years prior and that her current products are not related to the company.

Online controversy and product suspension

DJ Ngan 98 began marketing weight loss products in 2020, including Super Detox X3, X1000, and X7 Plus. By May 21, her online store had been shut down, making the products inaccessible to consumers.

The controversy was fueled by a widely circulated video of a livestream dispute between Ngan 98 and another seller, “Ngan Collagen.” In the livestream, the two accused each other of promoting unsafe products. Ngan Collagen cited a case in which a woman identified as “H.” allegedly had a sample tested and found it contained sibutramine.

The Ministry of Health and HCMC authorities are coordinating further inspections and verification efforts to determine whether these products violated food safety laws or posed health risks to consumers.

Vo Thu - Phuong Thuy