C.P. Vietnam Corporation has officially responded to viral allegations circulating on social media, dismissing claims of food safety violations as entirely false and defamatory.

The controversy began when a Facebook post by a user named “Jonny Lieu,” who allegedly once worked at a CP Fresh Shop in Soc Trang province, accused the company of selling unsafe pork products.

The post quickly went viral, raising public concern and prompting immediate action from both the company and local authorities.

In a formal statement, C.P. Vietnam stated, “We affirm that all information published by the Facebook account ‘Jonny Lieu’ and the Zalo account ‘Ngan Tech’ is fabricated and false, intended to defame and damage the company.”

The company emphasized that the photos shared were unclear in origin and not representative of any C.P. Vietnam products. “Our products comply with strict veterinary control and food safety standards,” the company added.

To address the situation, C.P. Vietnam confirmed it is working closely with relevant authorities to verify the claims and initiate legal action.

“We regret the confusion and serious damage caused to our operations and the anxiety this has generated among our customers, partners, and the community,” the statement continued. “We urge the public to receive information with caution and selectivity.”

In parallel, the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health of Soc Trang launched an interagency inspection involving the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Animal Health Division, and the Economic Security Office of the provincial police. This action is part of a broader nationwide campaign against smuggling, fraud, and counterfeit goods, with a specific focus on food safety.

On May 30, inspectors visited a CP Fresh Shop in My Xuyen town, Soc Trang, where the viral accusations were allegedly based. The shop was quiet at the time, with three staff members on duty.

Authorities found that all pork sold on-site had clear origin documentation and veterinary health certifications. The store processes whole pigs delivered daily, and all meat is cut and prepared in-house.

According to the store’s manager, the controversial images were taken in 2022 in Hau Giang province and were not related to the Soc Trang outlet.

“We don't know why those images are now being circulated to misrepresent our shop,” the manager said. The individual behind the viral post had not worked for C.P. Vietnam since 2023.

Lam Minh Hoang, Director of the Soc Trang Animal Health Division, confirmed the store met all food safety requirements. “Initial inspections found the pork fresh, chemical-free, and fully documented,” he said.

He further emphasized that Soc Trang has 52 regulated slaughterhouses and a robust system of nightly veterinary inspections. “We can confidently say we tightly manage livestock sources for meat distribution in the province.”

C.P. Vietnam reiterated that it will pursue full legal recourse against the false allegations. The company assured that any developments in the ongoing investigation will be promptly shared with customers, partners, and the public.

“We remain committed to upholding food safety standards and protecting our reputation against unfounded attacks.”

Tam An-Tran Tuyen