Cooking oil tanker mixed-transport scandal
In 2024, reports that tankers carried cooking oil after chemical or fuel cargoes without cleaning triggered national concern and official investigations.
Incident Index
Incidents
Major food safety incidents tied to Chinese consumers, grouped by year.
Major food safety incidents tied to Chinese consumers, grouped by year.
2024
2022
Maiquer pure milk propylene glycol incident
In 2022, batches of Maiquer pure milk were found to contain propylene glycol, leading to production suspension and regulatory investigation.
Laotan sauerkraut instant noodle supplier hygiene scandal
In 2022, CCTV's 315 program exposed unsanitary pickled-vegetable suppliers used in instant noodle products.
2014
Chang Guann gutter-oil lard scandal
In 2014, Taiwan's Chang Guann was accused of using recycled waste oil in lard products that spread into Taiwan and Hong Kong food supply chains.
Shanghai Husi expired meat supplier scandal
In 2014, Shanghai Husi was accused of reprocessing expired meat and altering dates, affecting McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, and other chains.
2012
Jiugui Liquor plasticizer contamination incident
In 2012, Jiugui Liquor products were reported to contain excessive phthalate plasticizers, triggering testing and trading suspension.
2011
Shuanghui clenbuterol-tainted pork scandal
In 2011, CCTV exposed Jiyuan Shuanghui's purchase of clenbuterol-tainted pork, leading to recalls, investigations, and detentions.
2010
Hainan cowpea pesticide residue incident
In 2010, cowpeas grown in Hainan were found with highly toxic pesticide residues in markets outside the province, prompting inspections.
2008
Sanlu melamine-contaminated infant formula scandal
In 2008, Sanlu infant formula and other dairy products were confirmed to be contaminated with melamine, sickening large numbers of infants and causing deaths.
2006
Sudan Red IV found in Baiyangdian red-yolk duck eggs
In 2006, red-yolk duck eggs from Hebei sold in Beijing were reported to contain Sudan Red IV, prompting withdrawals and inspections.
2005
KFC China Sudan I dye sauce incident
In 2005, KFC China suspended New Orleans roast chicken products after Sudan I, a banned industrial dye for food use, was reported in sauce ingredients.