Lieutenant Colonel Dao Xuan Truong, chief of Nha Trang Ward police, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that videos on TikTok alleging that grilled pork sausages in Khanh Hoa are made from rat meat contain fabricated information intended to damage the reputation of the local specialty.
He said police are urgently verifying the account responsible for posting the content and will handle the case in accordance with the law.
Tran Xuan Tay, secretary of the Nha Trang Ward Party Committee, also affirmed that several social media platforms have been spreading false information about the ingredients used to make Khanh Hoa grilled pork sausages.
According to Tay, Nha Trang is currently in its peak tourism season, and the circulation of misleading information on social media could negatively affect both visitors’ perceptions and local business activities.
Nha Trang Ward police have urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing unverified information.
Authorities advised social media users to exercise caution when receiving and disseminating online content and to follow official information sources to avoid contributing to the spread of fake news and misinformation.
Police warned that posting or sharing unverified information not only disrupts the online information environment but may also infringe upon the lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals concerned.
Individuals or organizations found posting or sharing false information may face administrative penalties ranging from VND10 million (US$380) to VND20 million ($760), depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
In more serious cases, offenders may face criminal prosecution for abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state and the lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals.
