Recent findings from a food safety inspection in Shenzhen have identified several major retailers selling non-compliant products.
The Shenzhen Market Supervision and Administration Bureau released a report detailing the results of a widespread inspection of edible agricultural products. A total of 2,305 samples were tested, with 86 failing to meet safety standards. The list of retailers implicated includes well-known names such as Walmart, Yonghui Superstores Co.,Ltd. (ASX: 601933), Xiaoxiang Supermarket, and Pupu Supermarket. All non-compliant samples have reportedly been handled according to established procedures for follow-up investigation.
Specifically, mandarin fish from Xiaoxiang Supermarket were found to contain the prohibited substance malachite green. Their shrimp samples also tested positive for a combination of oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, and tetracycline. Meanwhile, white radishes from Pupu Supermarket and Yonghui Superstores Co.,Ltd. (ASX: 601933) contained the insecticide thiamethoxam at non-compliant levels. Additionally, domestic red dragon fruit from Walmart was found to contain the fungicides prochloraz and prochloraz-manganese chloride complex, which did not meet regulatory standards.
At present, the companies involved have not issued official public statements on the matter. However, customer service representatives from several platforms have provided comments.
A representative from Meituan stated that any products identified with issues are uniformly destroyed by the platform, and all currently sold items possess complete and proper qualifications.
A store-level representative for Yonghui Superstores Co.,Ltd. (ASX: 601933) indicated that the radishes in question were a loose, unpackaged variety that has since been removed from sale. Customers can receive refunds by presenting their purchase receipt or order record at the store.
Pupu Supermarket's customer service stated they take the feedback very seriously and will relay it to the relevant department for verification. They emphasized that their suppliers are large, qualified, and正规 manufacturers, ensuring the quality of goods for sale.
Walmart's customer service responded that they have not yet received any official notification regarding the inquiry.
Prohibited Substance Found in Fish
The Xiaoxiang Supermarket location where the mandarin fish tested positive for malachite green was a branch in Luohu District. Malachite green is a chemical compound used as a dye and as a medication to kill fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Its use is banned in food animals according to relevant regulations. While consuming food with malachite green is unlikely to cause acute poisoning, long-term intake can have adverse health effects.
In response to consumer inquiries about corrective actions at Xiaoxiang Supermarket, the Shenzhen Market Supervision Bureau recently stated that a case has been formally opened for comprehensive investigation. To continue monitoring the safety of mandarin fish sold at the store, a second enforcement sampling was conducted on April 23, 2026. This subsequent test showed that the malachite green levels and other tested indicators were合格. So far this year, the bureau has conducted 21 batches of enforcement sampling on aquatic products sold at Xiaoxiang Supermarket stores in Luohu District, with all other batches passing inspection except for the one in question.
The bureau added that regarding the management loophole exposed by the failed sample, they have conducted on-site interviews with the store's responsible person, urging the enterprise to strictly implement food procurement verification systems and fulfill its food safety responsibilities. The case remains in the investigation and evidence collection phase, and further action will be taken against the involved store in accordance with laws and regulations based on the investigation's findings.
Furthermore, shrimp from another Xiaoxiang Supermarket location tested positive for a combined content of oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, and tetracycline. These are tetracycline-class antibiotics commonly used to treat various infectious diseases in animals. Regulations stipulate a maximum residue limit of 200μg/kg for these antibiotics, individually or combined, in shrimp muscle. Residues of such drugs pose a health threat, potentially causing conditions like aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis, while low-level residues can also induce bacterial resistance.
As of the time of reporting, Meituan had not issued an official response. A customer service representative reiterated that product issues are recorded and forwarded to quality control departments for enhanced management and rectification. Problematic goods are destroyed, and all products currently for sale have完整的资质.
Insecticide Residues in Vegetables
Apart from Xiaoxiang Supermarket, white radishes from Pupu and Yonghui Superstores Co.,Ltd. (ASX: 601933) were found to contain non-compliant levels of the insecticide thiamethoxam. This insecticide acts through contact, ingestion, and systemic means. Regulations set maximum residue limits for thiamethoxam at 0.01mg/kg in papayas, 0.05mg/kg in sweet potatoes, and 0.3mg/kg in root and tuber vegetables (except turnips) and onions. Acute poisoning is unlikely from consumption, but long-term intake of food with超标 levels can impact human health.
The involved Pupu Supermarket is a branch in Futian District. Pupu's official channel had not responded by the reporting deadline. Their customer service stated they take the feedback very seriously, have recorded it, and will forward it for verification, assuring customers of their suppliers' qualifications and product quality.
The involved Yonghui Superstores Co.,Ltd. (ASX: 601933) store is also located in Futian District. The company's official channel had not responded by the deadline. A store客服 representative confirmed the loose white radishes were下架 and offered refunds with proof of purchase.
Additionally, domestic red dragon fruit from Walmart was found to contain non-compliant levels of the fungicides prochloraz and prochloraz-manganese chloride complex. The involved store is a Walmart branch on Yanan Road. These are broad-spectrum,高效杀菌剂. The maximum residue limit for these substances in dragon fruit is set at 2mg/kg. Small amounts of pesticide residue are not expected to cause acute poisoning, but长期食用超标食品 may have health implications.
As of the reporting deadline, Walmart had not issued an official response. Their customer service stated they had not yet received relevant notification on the咨询的问题.
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