Consumer Complaints Allege Insect Eggs and Mold Found in Three Squirrels Nuts

As International Consumer Rights Day approaches, multiple consumers have filed complaints against snack brand Three Squirrels Inc. over food safety issues. According to recent data, the company received 20 valid complaints in the past 30 days, with a resolution rate of 45%.

Consumers reported discovering insect eggs, larvae, and mold in some of the company's nut and snack products. During negotiations, the company allegedly attempted to reduce compensation amounts by citing "permitted defective nut rates under national standards" and the "agricultural product nature" of the goods.

One consumer described finding insect eggs and mold spots in a gift package of Three Squirrels nuts, claiming the products严重不符合食品安全标准. The consumer demanded ten times the purchase price refund plus a minimum compensation of 1,000 yuan under China's Food Safety Law. However, the company reportedly offered settlements ranging from 200 to 500 yuan while refusing statutory compensation.

Another consumer reported finding foreign objects, insects, and insect eggs in nuts, with their child developing allergic reactions after consumption. Despite multiple communications, the company only offered minimal compensation while declining lawful restitution.

A separate complaint involved moldy nuts purchased on February 9, 2026, where both the merchant and platform allegedly delayed resolving the issue, causing the consumer financial loss and mental distress.

The complaints highlight two main concerns: fundamental food safety violations involving contaminated products, and corporate handling of disputes using technical arguments about agricultural product standards. Consumers expressed frustration that the company focused on negotiation tactics rather than quality control improvements.

Three Squirrels Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui Province, went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's ChiNext board in 2019. The company specializes in nuts, dried fruits, meat products, and baked goods, having been previously marketed as a leading national snack brand.