Tourist Demands Refund Over Alleged Mold in Juice; Nha Trang Shop Owner Defends Product

A dispute over alleged mold in a glass of juice has erupted in Nha Trang, with a shop owner refuting claims made by a foreign tourist. The incident, which gained traction on social media on the evening of September 15, involved an Indian tourist and a local juice vendor. According to accounts, the tourist ordered a fresh juice priced at 39,000 VND (approximately $1.60 USD). After consuming about half of the drink, the tourist claimed to have found mold and demanded a refund, which the shop owner refused. Tue Van, the 37-year-old owner of the juice shop, confirmed he was involved in the argument seen in the viral video. Van explained that his staff had informed the customer that the white foam appearing on the juice was a natural occurrence from cold-pressing or blending fresh fruit, not an indication of spoilage. Despite the explanation, the tourist insisted the foam was mold, questioned the product's safety, and persisted with the refund request. The tourist eventually left the premises and posted a one-star review on Google Maps detailing the experience. Speaking to Tuoi Tre newspaper, Van stated his firm refusal to issue a refund was to avoid implicitly admitting the beverage was spoiled, asserting that all ingredients used met strict freshness and hygiene standards. Incidents involving tourists and local businesses, particularly concerning food and beverage quality, are not uncommon in Vietnam's rapidly growing tourism sector. Such disputes often highlight differences in expectations and cultural perceptions. Source: Vietnam Insider