The deputy director of an orphanage in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai was reprimanded for removing expired donated milk from the facility without the consent of higher authorities.

Vo Thi Tuyet Hong, deputy director of a foster home for orphaned and disabled children in Dong Nai, received the reprimand for her unilateral decision, Ho Van Loc, deputy director of the municipal Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, confirmed on Thursday.

Tran Thi Thuy, the orphanage storekeeper, was also reviewed for her involvement in the incident.

The two were caught transporting 27 cans of milk that had been donated by local benefactors outside of the center at night in late August.

The products had not been consumed by their expiration dates, Loc said, adding that managers of the foster home had requested the facility’s security guards to dispose of the milk in accordance with regulations.

Rather than follow the directive, Hong loaded the expired milk into her private car outside of office hours and was caught by several officials at the facility.

According to Deputy Director Loc, Hong’s sanctioning was imposed for her mismanagement of the orphanage and her performance duties not under her authority.

The two admitted their wrongdoings and accepted the disciplinary action, Loc said.

Because the milk was past its sell-by date, Hong and Tuyet avoided any allegation of corruption, the official added, though many still believe that Hong was selling the milk for her personal benefit and the product’s expiration was merely cover for her violation.

The orphanage houses 49 children in the province and receives support from local charity workers and donors.

All donations are recorded and stored at the facility in a thorough and transparent manner, according to Loc.