Hundreds detained over fake food, medical diagnosis cases

A total of 374 people in 94 cases have been detained on suspicion of harming food safety since the beginning of this year, Beijing police said on Monday.

The police worked with various departments, including those devoted to market supervision and agricultural affairs, and they began intensifying the fight against food-related violations and offenses as required by the Ministry of Public Security early this year to ensure the public consumes food that is safe and healthy, according to the Beijing Public Security Bureau.

Over the past several months, police have not only destroyed workshops suspected of making counterfeit food and drinks, but have also clamped down on those selling fake health food in the name of helping people keep fit, the bureau said.

On April 14, for example, police in Changping district detained three people during a routine patrol after they found more than 1,200 bottles of counterfeit baijiu, or Chinese white liquor, in their yard.

After learning that the alcohol was bought from Southwest China’s Guizhou province, the police rushed to the source site. On May 31, in colloboration with local police, Beijing officers nabbed five others who allegedly produced the fake alcohol.

In another case, 170 people were detained on suspicion of pretending to be medical experts to cheat the elderly out of money by providing phony diagnoses and pushing the alleged victims to purchase fake health food.

The public security bureau said the fight will continue, adding they welcome the public to provide clues. They also suggested residents pay close attention to packages, trademarks and quality when buying food online and offline, calling on them to save shopping vouchers as evidence if they have problems.