Recently, over 43 kilograms of Wei Long’s “Kiss” snacks were recalled in Japan after testing positive for TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), a food additive banned in the country.
According to an official announcement, 90 boxes of Wei Long’s Classic Spicy Flavor (each box weighing 480g) were recalled because they contained 0.005g/kg of TBHQ, which is not permitted under local food safety regulations in Japan. The affected products have a shelf life of five months, with production dates after May 7, 2024, and sales occurring between May 21 and August 23.
In response to the recall, Wei Long stated that the difference in standards between countries is at play and asserted that their products comply with Chinese regulations, deeming them safe for consumers. When asked about the possibility of continuing to sell “Kiss” snacks in Japan, Wei Long indicated they could adjust the recipe to meet Japanese standards.
Prof. Zhu Yi from the Food College of China Agricultural University explained to China News that TBHQ is a fat-soluble antioxidant used to prevent or delay the oxidation of fats in food, particularly effective in plant oils.
“Although TBHQ is permitted in many countries, concerns about its safety persist,” Zhu noted, adding that TBHQ is allowed in over 100 countries, including China, the EU, and the U.S., based on safety and efficacy evaluations. However, he also mentioned that while small amounts usually pose little harm, long-term excessive consumption could lead to adverse health effects, such as an increased risk of stomach cancer and possible impacts on women’s hormone levels, as well as toxicity to the liver and kidneys.
Zhu criticized this incident as a reflection of Wei Long’s inadequate quality control and a lack of awareness regarding the standards of the countries they export to, ultimately causing unnecessary anxiety among consumers.
In June 2002, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine issued a notice emphasizing the importance of inspecting TBHQ in animal and plant-derived foods exported to Japan. By 2004, Japan formally banned TBHQ based on relevant research and evaluations.
Food industry analyst Zhu Danpeng expressed concern regarding this incident, stating, “Brands going international represent not just themselves but also the quality and responsibilities of Chinese brands and the food industry. Therefore, companies must be rigorous and scientifically informed, gaining a full understanding of local laws and dietary habits.” He categorized this event as a serious quality safety issue, noting Japan’s stringent food safety regulations.
Zhu also suggested that Wei Long’s apparent negligence regarding quality control might have serious ramifications, not only impacting their export capabilities but also affecting their performance in the capital market.
As for why the “Kiss” snacks destined for Japan contained a banned additive, China News reached out to Wei Long for a response but had not received communication by the time of reporting.
It’s worth noting that Wei Long has faced quality control issues in the past. In May of this year, a social media user posted a video highlighting that their konjac snacks were labeled as having a net weight of 15 grams, but the actual weight was only 8.9 grams. When confronted with this complaint, Wei Long’s customer service seemingly questioned the consumer’s credibility.
