Fireproof glass makers accused of selling fake products

China's annual 315 Gala television program on Friday highlighted fireproof glass manufacturers that had allegedly falsified their production processes, quality inspection reports, and on-site sampling on the way to making massive profits.

The show named seven companies in Tianjin city and Hebei province that it said had been flouting the law.

The regulatory authorities in Tianjin responded by initiating inspections of the named companies.

According to China's mandatory national standards, each home in buildings taller than 54 meters must have at least one window fitted with fireproof glass that ensures the apartment can isolate a fire for at least an hour.

Fireproof glass produced and sold by the named companies was found to be well below that standard, or to have even been ordinary tempered glass that had been incorrectly labeled "fireproof".

The manufacturers, the broadcaster said, had used real fireproof glass in tests but not in the products they were selling.

The broadcaster said the activity helped companies amass great fortunes but put people in danger.

The program, which was hosted by the State broadcaster China Central Television, is held annually to coincide with World Consumer Rights Day.

There has recently been an increase in the frequency and severity of high-rise fires in China, leading to an increased emphasis on inspections for safety materials used in construction. Last month, a fire in a 34-story building in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, led to 15 casualties and 44 injuries.