International News 25/04
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Unilever has initiated a recall of Magnum Almond ice cream in the UK. It would be beneficial to ascertain whether this applies to Indonesia as well.
Unilever, a major British consumer goods company, has issued a recall of Magnum Almond ice cream sticks in the UK due to concerns of plastic and metal contamination. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has deemed the food unsafe for consumption. The affected ice cream boxes were sold in the UK and Ireland and have specific batch codes and a Best Before date. Despite no reported illnesses, the recall is taking place due to outdated labels that do not provide allergen information. This follows a recent ice cream recall in the United States by Belgian Yummies, which involved undeclared allergens in various ice cream sandwich and gelato flavours. Individuals with allergies to wheat, soya, eggs, coconut, or peanuts are advised to avoid these products, as they may cause severe allergic reactions. Retailers in the UK have been informed of the recall and will display notices in stores with guidance for consumers who may have purchased the affected products.
The Vietnamese central bank has postponed the auction of 20,570 ounces of gold due to a lack of interest from potential bidders.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has cancelled its first gold auction in 11 years due to a lack of interest from buyers. The auction, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, was part of the SBV's efforts to boost supply amid rising gold prices. However, the cancellation came an hour before bidding was set to begin, as the SBV stated that it did not have enough registered bidders. This year, the price of gold bullion in Vietnam has increased by approximately 15%, with gold bars trading at 82.8 million dong (US$3,254.08) per tael on the local market. The SBV has a monopoly on gold production and imports, while Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) is the sole producer of SJC-branded gold bars. Local businesses have requested that the SBV modify its regulations to address the current market situation. The government has also been urged to investigate gold trading companies to determine if they are engaging in market manipulation.
The United States has threatened to sever ties with Chinese banks, effectively cutting them off from the global financial system.
The United States (US) is considering imposing sanctions that could potentially cut off certain Chinese banks from the global financial system as a means to halt China's support for Russian military production. The US aims to prevent China from contributing to Russia's military capabilities, particularly in light of its recent defeat in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently visiting China, and it is uncertain whether this financial threat could weaken Sino-Russian trade and allow Moscow to rebuild its military strength. The US has been applying increasing pressure on China in recent weeks, issuing a warning that it is prepared to take action against Chinese financial institutions involved in facilitating trade of goods with both civilian and military applications.