Bleached and Contaminated: Chicken Feet Company Under Fire in China   

• A major food safety scandal has once again surfaced in China; this time involving a company that produced popular chicken feet snacks. It was revealed that the company had been using chemical bleach and unhygienic methods to enhance the appearance of their products. The case was exposed by the state-run CCTV broadcast, “3·15 Gala,” known for uncovering corporate misconduct. The program reported that Mingyang Food Company, based in Chengdu, soaked chicken feet in hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent banned for food processing, to give the meat an unnaturally bright, white color. The chemical is sometimes misused to improve visual appeal, but experts warn it poses serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide can damage the liver and kidneys and erode the lining of the mouth and digestive system. The investigation also revealed deeply unsanitary conditions inside the processing facility. Undercover footage showed factory floors covered in stagnant wastewater and mud, with piles of raw chicken feet left exposed to contamination. Workers were seen stepping directly on the products, raising concerns about basic handling practices. Many employees reportedly lacked proper health certifications and failed to follow standard sanitation procedures, including disinfection protocols. Most tellingly, some workers told investigators they would never eat the products themselves. The annual broadcast, which has aired every March on World Consumer Rights Day since 1991, always prompts swift public and regulatory responses. Companies featured in its reports often face reputational damage, consumer backlash, and financial losses. Following the broadcast, Chinese authorities launched coordinated inspections and raids on multiple processing plants, aiming to halt the distribution of contaminated goods and restore consumer confidence in the food industry. Wendy For The Teen Times teen/1775442350/1613367659