Just now! CCTV's 3.15 Consumer Rights Day exposes seven major industry scandals involving these A-share companies! The State Administration for Market Regulation acts swiftly.

Special Topic: Improving Consumer Quality — Focus on the 2026 “315 Evening Gala”

On the evening of March 15, CCTV’s “3.15” Gala aired as scheduled.

This year’s “3.15” Gala focused on the theme “Trustworthy Consumption, Quality Life,” highlighting illegal activities that infringe on consumer rights in areas such as food safety, public safety, financial security, and advertising markets.

Zhang Qiang, the chief director of the 36th “3.15” Gala, explained that over the past 36 years, the event has witnessed China’s high-quality economic development and the continuous expansion and upgrading of the consumer market. This year, the Gala continues to focus on food safety, resolutely exposing illegal businesses that evade regulation and harm consumer rights; closely monitors new digital consumption scenarios, providing timely warnings of potential traps; reveals illegal activities that threaten public safety; and showcases scams that endanger people’s financial investment security.

The “3.15” Gala insists on uncovering consumption traps and illegal infringements in relevant industries, strengthening consumer rights protection, boosting consumption, and driving quality upgrades. Zhang hopes that by enhancing consumer rights protection and continuously optimizing the consumption environment, consumer potential can be fully unleashed, allowing consumers to choose with confidence and spend with peace of mind.

This year’s “3.15” mainly exposed the following issues:

1. Disgusting production conditions of popular chicken feet workshops
2. The so-called miracle drug “exosomes” are actually unapproved products
3. Height increase scams, with agencies aggressively profiting from height enhancement
4. Private domain marketing with 5x profit margins targeting the elderly
5. Rapid rise of rental electric bikes with unsafe speeds
6. AI poisoning industry chain has emerged
7. Stock recommendation agencies dividing profits and scamming investors

In response to illegal activities such as “bleached chicken feet” and “height increase marketing tricks” exposed by the CCTV “3.15” Gala, the Market Supervision Administration has quickly activated emergency response mechanisms, deploying law enforcement actions. The investigation results will be announced to the public in a timely manner.

First case: Bleached Chicken Feet

Most chicken feet sold in the market are bright white and plump, tempting to eat. However, a detail worth noting is the price. A 500-gram portion of chicken feet often sells for as low as 15 yuan.

According to investigations by “3.15” reporters in the bustling chicken feet markets of Sichuan and Chongqing, they found that in Chengdu, chicken feet can be easily purchased without health certificates, health checks, or sanitation procedures, directly entering Mingyang Food Production Workshop, which is preparing chicken feet products for Shufu Xiang Food Co., Ltd.

At the scene, reporters observed that the processing area was filled with foul odors, with a nauseating fishy smell. The environment was filthy: the floor was long-term stained with murky water, plastic baskets were haphazardly piled, and machinery surfaces were covered with grime and grease. Large quantities of chicken feet were exposed and piled on damp, dirty floors, with cleaning tools like brooms and shovels randomly placed on top. Workers casually stepped on the chicken feet, then picked them up and returned them to the processing baskets, completely ignoring hygiene standards.

Further investigation revealed a key piece of information: despite the dirty environment, the final chicken feet products appeared white and attractive because the factory used a crucial “bleaching” process. Staff admitted, “They are bleached with hydrogen peroxide.”

Hydrogen peroxide, known scientifically as peroxide, is a strong oxidizer and disinfectant used for sterilization. According to national regulations, hydrogen peroxide must not be used in chicken feet processing because it destroys proteins and nutrients in food. Long-term consumption of foods soaked in such chemicals can cause damage to oral mucosa, liver and kidney functions, and pose health risks; excessive intake can be life-threatening.

The reporters found that this practice was not limited to one company. In Chongqing, Zengqiao Food Co., Ltd., they also discovered large blue containers labeled with hydrogen peroxide, with a concentration of up to 35%, produced by Jinshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Meishan City. As an ordinary worker, the reporter was able to get hired at Chongqing Zengqiao Food Co., Ltd. without health certificates, health checks, or disinfection, and was quickly sent to the production line. Internal sources confirmed that the chicken feet there were bleached with hydrogen peroxide.

In early March, the “3.15” reporters handed over the investigation materials to the State Administration for Market Regulation. The authorities immediately organized multi-department analysis and launched enforcement actions against the involved businesses, with results to be announced soon.

According to Qichacha, Sichuan Shufu Xiang Food Co., Ltd., established in December 1997 with a registered capital of 23.8 million yuan, is involved in food production, sales, catering, and urban delivery services, jointly owned by Chengdu Zhongxing Food Co., Ltd. and Sichuan Rongsheng Tai Group. The company has invested in Chengdu Shuxianghui Food Co., Ltd., holding 40% stake. It previously faced a fine of 10,000 yuan for lowering fire safety standards during construction.

Another company, Chongqing Zengqiao Food Co., Ltd., founded in 2003, mainly engaged in processing meat products, bean products, vegetable products, seafood, and food import/export. In February 2025, it was fined for producing and selling spoiled, rancid, moldy, unclean, adulterated, or abnormal sensory foods and additives.

Additionally, the program mentioned Henan Yifeng Electronic New Materials Co., Ltd. (“Yifeng Electronics”), established in 2017, controlled by the publicly listed company Duofulu (002407). Shareholding includes Duofulu, Henan Xingtu Enterprise Management Consulting Partnership, Sun Xiaofeng, Henan Jufuxing New Material Technology, and others.

The “People’s Financial News” exclusively learned that the Sichuan Provincial Market Supervision Administration will soon carry out a special rectification campaign targeting food production and processing industries across the province.

Second case: The “Universal Miracle Drug” Exosomes

Recently, exosomes have become a hot product in the medical aesthetics market. Marketed as a miraculous substance by online influencers, exosomes are biologically active substances secreted during stem cell cultivation. However, their mechanisms, clinical testing, and medical validation are still unclear, mostly remaining in academic and theoretical research stages.

Based on consumer reports, “3.15” reporters found a product called “Qingcheng” marketed as exosomes. The manufacturer, Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., claimed that their product’s main component was “exosomes,” but they used a collagen license to evade regulation. This illegal practice involved false advertising, unauthorized addition, and illegal sales. Some companies exaggerated the benefits, claiming their exosomes could beautify, anti-age, or even treat various diseases.

In a city in Southwest China, Jingbosai’er Biotechnology Co., Ltd., the CEO Tan claimed they used “exosomes” to treat diseases like epilepsy, arthritis, and diabetes. He showed a frozen “medical-grade” exosome solution, which had no product information and was clearly a “three-no” product (no license, no approval, no certification). Such products were disguised as “technical services” and entered the market. Tan admitted that because their company lacked medical qualifications, they could only cooperate with medical institutions for injections, a practice called “borrowing a platform.” These so-called “exosomes” without approval, clinical trials, or efficacy data were packaged as “panacea” drugs and injected into patients, generating significant profits.

Tan explained: “First dose: 150 billion particles; second dose: 200 billion; third dose: 250 billion. Gradually increasing, total 600 billion particles, costing 60,000 yuan.” Online complaints also flooded in, such as “I did exosomes, and my face got infected with severe acne,” “I had an allergic reaction, and my face was ruined for three months,” and “Almost no effect, just a scam.”

Qichacha shows that Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology was established in June 2019, located in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, focusing on biomaterials R&D and promotion, with medical device operation license and cosmetic filing approval.

Jiebosai’er Biotechnology was founded on May 9, 2024, engaged in cell technology R&D and application, including human stem cell development. Its current status is active.

Third case: Height Increase Scams

Online, various merchants claim they can install “accelerators” in children’s bones. While this business boomed, “3.15” reporters received multiple complaints from consumers claiming they were scammed. They visited a chain called “Anlishen Youth Physical Height Increase,” which promised contract guarantees and full refunds if ineffective.

Other chains like “Dejiru” also offered similar height increase programs, with the same pricing and refund promises. These companies targeted teenagers but also claimed they could help adults with closed growth plates. The industry insiders knew that once growth plates close, natural height increase is impossible, but some, like “Yinruike,” claimed they could defy science with methods including psychological therapy and “quantum repair,” even involving mysticism. They lacked scientific basis or clinical data but charged high fees.

By the end of the investigation, these stores continued to expand, with Deji Ru having over 70 branches across more than ten provinces, Anlishen over 60, and Yinruike over 30. They used false claims of “high-tech” and “patented technology” to deceive consumers and profit.

Qichacha shows that Hangzhou Anlishen Health Management was established in April 2024 with a registered capital of 1 million yuan, jointly owned by companies including Wenzhou Nanlin Enterprise Management, Wenzhou Anli Gao Enterprise Management Partnership, and Hangzhou Jide Big Health Management. It has registered multiple trademarks like “Anlishen” and “Anlisheng,” covering advertising and pharmaceuticals, and holds patents such as a “Leg Exercise Device.”

Suzhou Yinruike Health Management, established in September 2024 with a capital of 500,000 yuan, is run by Pan Moumou, who is also the legal representative. It currently has no patents. Its website claims it can help children grow taller without injections or medication. Pan’s related companies include Suzhou Yingda Ke, Suzhou Yingxiao Ke, and Hefei Yinruike.

Wenzhou Deji Ruike Health Management was founded in June 2018 with a capital of 100,000 yuan, involved in sports health, consulting, wholesale sports equipment, and genetic diagnosis. Notably, last year, it was ordered to issue a public apology for infringing on Yi Yangqianxi’s rights.

Fourth case: Private Domain Marketing

In late January 2026, “3.15” reporters attended an internal industry exchange in a city in Central China. Many representatives from “online video production” companies discussed partnerships. These companies buy products from pharmaceutical or health supplement firms at low prices, then produce health lectures and sell these videos to private domain marketing firms. These firms guide consumers to social media private scenes, play courses, and promote products.

The products purchased for these videos, such as medicines and health supplements, are very cheap but sold at high prices. For example, a common auxiliary medicine is exaggerated or altered in function and sold at nearly five times the market price. To uncover the truth, reporters visited “Dahong International,” where Manager Liu said they are involved in producing fake courses and selling overpriced medicines to deceive the elderly, and are currently operating discreetly due to the “3.15” crackdown.

Who makes these videos? With insider help, the reporters found “Shengwei Cultural Media” in a northeastern city. Manager Zhong said that the key to whether a video can sell products is the “medical experts” featured. These “experts” are often just paid actors with fancy titles like “National Medical Doctor” or “Expert Committee Member,” which can be bought with money. The reporters also contacted some of these so-called experts, who refused to meet.

Qichacha shows that Dalian Shengwei Cultural Media was established in March 2010 with a registered capital of 1.5 million yuan, engaged in business services, and is active.

Fifth case: Rapid Rise of Rental Electric Bikes

“Speeds can reach 40-50 km/h, even 60 km/h,” claimed some online sellers. However, the latest national standards from 2025 specify a maximum design speed of 25 km/h, a battery voltage not exceeding 48V, and motor power no more than 400W. Data from the Ministry of Public Security shows that accidents caused by illegal speeding of electric bikes account for about 10% of urban traffic accidents, mainly due to unauthorized speed limit removal.

In live broadcasts, some e-bike rental companies openly promote their bikes’ speeds exceeding standards, with some reaching 80 km/h. For example, Hailo, a leading e-bike rental brand with over 5,000 stores in more than 100 cities, claims their bikes can go up to 75 km/h. The reporter contacted Manager Mi, who revealed that before the new standards, some dealers used unapproved bikes with old certificates, and manufacturers produced bikes to bypass speed limits. Some companies even buy license plates illegally, disguising motorcycles as bikes at low cost.

Hailo’s official website states it is a leading local mobility and lifestyle platform, founded in September 2016 in Shanghai, starting from shared bikes, now offering various mobility and local services, including robotaxi development. As of now, Hailo has over 800 million registered users and is listed on the A-share market via Yong’anxing (stock code: 603776).

Sixth case: “Poisoning” AI Large Models

Industry insiders reveal that “GEO” services can manipulate AI models. These services claim that users can pay to have their products ranked higher in AI search results, making their ads appear as “standard answers.” Can GEO techniques really inject false information or “plant drugs” into AI models?

The reporter contacted a well-known GEO service provider, Mr. Wang, who said their strength is helping clients rank higher in AI searches by “soft advertising” and “inputting” promotional content. They continuously feed related soft articles to maintain AI recommendation levels, which requires massive ongoing input.

Other GEO providers focus on “controlling” AI by “brainwashing” or “poisoning” models through mass posting. Industry insiders bought a software called “Liqing GEO Optimization System” and used it to generate dozens of promotional articles for a fictitious smart bracelet. These articles were then published online, and when queried about “recommended health bracelets,” some AI models recommended the fake product, ranking it highly.

The operator, Mr. Li, explained that GEO is used to “feed” and “poison” AI models to achieve commercial goals. He said that the key is to post on major internet accounts, spending millions on ads to “inject” false information. Many companies have emerged to handle such operations, making GEO a crucial part of AI data manipulation.

Qichacha shows that Guangzhou Liqiang Zhifu Technology was established in June 2025 with a capital of 1 million yuan, based in Guangzhou, engaged in software and hardware manufacturing, design, consulting, and leasing.

Seventh case: Stock Recommendation Profit-Sharing Scam

At the start of 2026, “3.15” Gala received many consumer reports about a stock investment scam called “stock tips with profit sharing.” Many investors were lured by promises of high returns and profit splits. Experts warn that many such “recommendation with profit sharing” schemes are actually scams by illegal actors impersonating legitimate financial firms. When stocks profit, they take a cut; when stocks fall, they disappear, leaving investors to cover losses.

The reporter contacted several such organizations, including one claiming to be “Tian Shun Investment.” Following their advice, the reporter bought 2,000 shares at 18.82 yuan each. Over two weeks, the stock declined sharply, and the reporter sold at an 8% loss. During a video call with customer service, the wall behind showed the name “Xinbenke Information Consulting.” It turned out to be a company in Zunyi with no financial qualifications, hiring telemarketers. The reporter then applied for a telemarketing position there.

The company’s manager explained that their job was to call potential investors daily, convincing them to buy specific stocks, claiming they were carefully researched and risk-controlled. However, the truth was that the “research reports” were fake, and the stocks were chosen by the boss himself, with profits shared and losses ignored—an obvious scam.

Qichacha shows that Zunyi Xinbenke Information Consulting was established in September 2025 with a registered capital of 500,000 yuan, located in Zunyi, Guizhou, mainly engaged in business services, with the legal representative Lin Haizi. The address was recently changed.

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