China: Illegal seasoning factories exposed

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Authorities in China have uncovered an enormous counterfeiting ring said to have operated numerous factories for counterfeit seasonings and sauces. Well-known brands such as Knorr, Maggi, and Nestlé are allegedly affected by the illegal imitations.

The around 50 illegal factories are said to have been in operation for more than ten years and to have produced counterfeit seasonings valued at ca. 100 million yuan (13,6 million euro) per year. Now authorities have arrested multiple suspects and confiscated numerous materials as well as equipment.

In order to make investigations against them more difficult, many of the illegal factories were allegedly equipped with surveillance cameras and alarm systems. The counterfeiters also purportedly shipped the goods directly after production. The counterfeiters are said to have used ingredients unfit for human consumption to produce the imitations, including industrial salts and waste products from other food producers.

The Nestlé company guaranteed the Chinese authorities its support in this case: “Nestlé China is working closely with the authorities to identify and take action against counterfeiters in order to protect consumers,” said a company speaker. “Our experts are helping the authorities distinguish authentic Nestlé products from counterfeits.”

The incident is not the first food scandal in the People’s Republic. Last year, for example, local authorities confiscated 1,000 cans of counterfeit milk powder for infants.

Sources: BBC, Food Manufacture

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