Breaking News! CCTV 3·15 Exposes Seven Major Industry Chaos, Involving These A-Share Companies! Market Regulation Bureau Takes Swift Action

On the evening of March 15th, 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, introduced 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 monitoring new digital consumption scenarios to provide early warnings of potential traps; revealing illegal acts that threaten public safety; and showcasing scams that jeopardize people’s financial investment safety.

The “3.15” Gala insists on uncovering consumption traps and illegal infringements within 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 and spend with confidence.

This year, the “3.15” Gala mainly exposed the following issues:

1. Disgusting conditions in influencer chicken claw production workshops

2. The so-called miracle drug “exosomes” being unapproved, no-name products

3. Height increase scams, reckless profiteering by height-increasing agencies

4. Private domain marketing with 5x high profits targeting the elderly

5. The rapid rise of rental electric bikes

6. AI poisoning industry chain

7. Stock recommendation agencies as scams for forced sell-offs

In response to illegal activities such as “bleached chicken claws” and “height increase marketing tricks” exposed by the CCTV “3.15” Gala, the State Administration for Market Regulation has quickly activated emergency response mechanisms, deploying law enforcement actions. The investigation results will be promptly announced to the public.

First Case: Bleached Chicken Claws

Various chicken claws sold on the market are mostly white and plump, tempting to eat, but a detail worth noting is the price. A 500g portion of chicken claws can often be sold for as low as 15 yuan.

According to investigations by “3.15” reporters in the bustling chicken claw markets of Sichuan and Chongqing, they found that in Chengdu and Chongqing, chicken claws can be easily brought into production workshops like Mingyang Food without health certificates, health checks, or sanitation procedures. These workshops are used for preliminary processing for Shu Fu Xiang Food Co., Ltd.

At the scene, reporters observed that the processing areas were filled with foul odors—stale fishy smells that made people nauseous. The environment was filthy: the floor was long covered with murky water, plastic baskets were haphazardly piled, and machinery surfaces were thick with grime and grease. Large quantities of chicken claws were exposed and piled on damp, dirty floors, with cleaning tools like brooms and shovels carelessly placed on top. Workers casually stepped on the claws and simply picked them up to reuse, completely ignoring food hygiene standards.

Further investigation revealed a key detail: despite the dirty environment, the final chicken claws appeared white and appealing because they underwent a crucial “bleaching” process. Workers admitted, “It’s 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 claw processing because it destroys proteins and nutrients in food. Long-term consumption of such treated food can cause damage to oral mucosa, liver and kidney functions, and other health issues. Excessive intake can even be life-threatening.

The investigation uncovered that this was not an isolated case. In Chongqing Zengqiao Food Co., Ltd., the reporters also found numerous recycled blue barrels labeled with hydrogen peroxide, containing up to 35% concentration, produced by Jinshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Meishan City. The reporters, posing as ordinary workers, entered the factory without health certificates or disinfection procedures, and internal sources confirmed that the chicken claws there were also bleached with hydrogen peroxide.

In early March, the “3.15” reporters submitted their findings to the State Administration for Market Regulation. The authorities immediately organized multiple departments to analyze the clues and recently mobilized law enforcement across various regions to conduct a comprehensive crackdown on this illegal food processing chain, targeting Shu Fu Xiang, Mingyang Food, Zengqiao Food, and upstream related companies.

According to Qichacha, Sichuan Shu Fu Xiang Food Co., Ltd., established in December 1997 with a registered capital of 23.8 million yuan, engages in food production, sales, catering services, and urban delivery. It is 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% equity. Risk alerts show that the company was fined 10,000 yuan for requesting lower fire safety standards during a construction project.

Tianyancha indicates that Chongqing Zengqiao Food Co., Ltd., founded in 2003, mainly processes agricultural and sideline foods such as marinated meats, non-fermented bean products, vegetable products, seafood, and more. In February 2025, it was fined for producing and selling spoiled, rancid, moldy, contaminated, adulterated, or visually abnormal foods and additives.

Additionally, the program mentioned Henan Yifeng Electronic New Materials Co., Ltd. (Yifeng Electronics), established in 2017, controlled by the multi-chemical company (002407) listed on the A-share market. Its ownership includes Multi-chemical, Henan Xingtú Enterprise Management Consulting Partnership, Sun Xiaofeng, Henan Polyfluor New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., and others.

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

Second Case: The “Miracle” Exosome Drug

Recently, exosomes have become a hot product in the medical aesthetics market. Marketed as a “miracle 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, remaining mostly in academic and theoretical research stages.

According to consumer reports, “3.15” reporters found a product called “Qingcheng” exosomes on the market. The manufacturer, Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., claimed that their product’s main component was “exosomes,” but to evade market regulation, they used a collagen license. This illegal licensing, unauthorized addition, and sales are part of the broader chaos surrounding exosome products. Some companies also falsely advertise that their exosomes can beautify, anti-age, or even treat various diseases.

In a southwestern city, the company Jiebosai’er Biotechnology Co., Ltd., its boss Tan claimed they used “exosomes” to treat diseases. Tan said that conditions like epilepsy, arthritis, and diabetes could be “solved” by injecting exosomes. When the reporter expressed skepticism, Tan took out a “medical-grade” frozen exosome solution, which had no product information or labels—completely a “three-no” product. Disguised as “technological services,” these products entered the market. Tan also admitted that because their company lacked medical qualifications, they could only cooperate with medical institutions for injections, a practice known as “borrowing a platform to inject.” These so-called “exosomes” without approval, clinical trials, or efficacy data are being packaged as “panacea” drugs and injected into patients, with significant profits.

Tan explained: “First time, 150 billion particles; second time, 200 billion; third time, 250 billion. Gradually increasing, total 600 billion particles, costing 60,000 yuan.” Meanwhile, many consumers have complained online about adverse effects, such as facial infections, severe acne, allergic reactions, and little to no effect, calling it a scam.

Qichacha shows that Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology was established in June 2019, located in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, focusing on biotech material R&D and promotion, with medical device operation licenses and cosmetic registration.

Jiebosai’er Biotechnology was founded on May 9, 2024, engaged in cell technology R&D and application services, with ongoing operations.

Third Case: Height Increase Scam

On online platforms, various merchants claim they can “install accelerators” in children’s bones. While this business is booming, “3.15” reporters received multiple complaints from consumers claiming they were scammed. Visiting a chain called “Anlishen Youth Physical Height Increase,” they found that all branches promise contract guarantees and full refunds if ineffective.

Not only Anlishen, but also another nationwide chain, Dejiru Youth Height Increase, offers similar programs with the same pricing and refund promises. These agencies target teenagers but also claim they can help adults with closed growth plates. Dejiru’s headquarters admits they can only straighten bones, not grow new ones, while another center, Yingruike, claims to defy science by achieving “closure height increase” through physiological and psychological methods, even mysticism, with no scientific basis or clinical validation.

As of the end of the investigation, these stores continue to expand. Dejiru has over 70 branches across more than ten provinces; Anlishen has over 60; Yingruike has over 30. They promote “high-tech” and “patented techniques” to deceive consumers and profit.

Qichacha shows that Hangzhou Anlishen Health Management Co., Ltd., established in April 2024 with 1 million yuan registered capital, is jointly owned by 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, with patents for a leg exercise device.

The associated company, Suzhou Yingruike Health Management Co., Ltd., founded in September 2024 with 500,000 yuan, claims to help children grow taller without injections or medication. It is linked to 15 other companies, including Suzhou Yanda Ke and Suzhou Yingxiao Ke.

Wenzhou Dejiru Health Management, founded in June 2018 with 100,000 yuan, offers sports health services, health consulting, wholesale sports equipment, and genetic diagnosis. Last year, it was fined for infringing on Yi Yangqianxi’s rights and ordered to issue a public apology.

Fourth Case: Private Domain Marketing

In late January 2026, “3.15” reporters attended an internal industry exchange 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, produce health lectures and videos, and sell them to private domain marketing firms. These firms then guide consumers on social platforms, play courses, and promote products.

The products purchased—mainly medicines and health supplements—are bought cheaply but sold at high prices, sometimes nearly five times the market value. For example, a common health aid was exaggerated or altered in function and sold at inflated prices. To uncover the truth, reporters visited “Dahong International,” where Manager Liu said they are currently operating discreetly, as “the ‘3.15’ community (private domain) might expose us.” He added, “After ‘3.15,’ we’ll see.”

The production of these videos is often outsourced. An insider introduced a company called Shengwei Cultural Media in Northeast China. Manager Zhong explained that the key to whether a video can sell products is the “medical experts” featured. These titles—“national medical disciples,” “society presidents,” “expert committee members”—are mostly bought with money. The reporters also contacted some of these so-called experts, who refused to meet.

Qichacha shows that Dalian Shengwei Cultural Media, established in March 2010 with 1.5 million yuan, operates in business services and is currently active.

Fifth Case: Rapidly Rising Rental Electric Bikes

In 2025, the new national safety standards for electric bikes limit top speeds to 25 km/h, with batteries not exceeding 48V and motors under 400W. Yet, in live streams, some sellers openly promote bikes that reach 40-50 km/h or even 60 km/h. Data from the Ministry of Public Security shows that accidents caused by illegal speeding electric bikes account for about 10% of urban traffic accidents, mainly due to unauthorized speed limit removal.

During investigations, reporters found that some rental shops offer bikes exceeding these standards. At a rental store, a test ride reached 80 km/h.

Both small local shops and major brands like Hellobike have violations. Hellobike claims to have over 5,000 stores nationwide. When contacted, staff said their bikes can reach 75 km/h. The company’s regional manager revealed that before new standards, some dealers used certificates for bikes not yet produced, then had manufacturers produce older models to bypass speed restrictions. Some even buy motorcycle plates and attach them to bikes, allowing them to be rented at high speeds.

Hellobike’s official site states it is a leading local mobility platform, founded in September 2016 in Shanghai, offering shared bikes, e-scooters, ride-hailing, and other services, with over 800 million users. It is also involved in autonomous vehicle projects and is affiliated with Yong’an Travel, listed on the A-share market.

Sixth Case: AI Large Model “Poisoning”

According to industry insiders, “GEO” services are used to manipulate AI large models. These services claim that users can pay to have their products ranked higher in AI search results or to influence AI-generated answers, effectively “injecting” false information or “poisoning” the models.

The reporter contacted a well-known GEO service provider, Mr. Wang, who explained that their main strength is helping clients rank higher in AI searches by “soft promotion” and “inputting data.” He said, “It’s like doing native advertising, making AI platforms scrape, input, and fetch data.” He also admitted that frequent algorithm updates require continuous input of related soft content to maintain rankings.

Other GEO providers focus on “controlling” AI outputs, “brainwashing” AI, or “poisoning” data. Industry insiders bought a software called “Liqing GEO Optimization System,” created fake products like a smart bracelet, and used the system to generate promotional articles, which then appeared in AI search results at high rankings.

The operator, Mr. Li, said GEO is mainly used to “feed” or “poison” AI models for commercial purposes. He explained, “The key is to post on internet accounts—like five or ten positions for a phone brand. Spending a few million yuan annually, you can buy enough exposure to influence AI.” Many companies now specialize in releasing articles to manipulate AI data, making it an important part of “data poisoning.”

Qichacha shows that Guangzhou Liqiang Zhifu Technology, established in June 2025 with 1 million yuan, is based in Guangzhou and offers software for computer hardware, design, consulting, and leasing.

Seventh Case: Stock Recommendation “Profit-Sharing” Scam

At the start of 2026, “3.15” received many tips about a “stock recommendation and profit-sharing” scheme that attracted investors. Experts warn that many such schemes are scams run by fraudsters impersonating legitimate financial institutions. They promise high returns and share profits if stocks rise, but disappear when stocks fall, using “cover losses” as bait.

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, and the reporter sold at an 8% loss. During a video call with customer service, the reporter noticed a sign behind the agent with the name “Xinben Ke Information Consulting.” It turned out the company was in Zunyi, lacked any financial license, and was hiring telemarketers.

The company’s manager explained they call potential investors daily, using scripted pitches, promising to control risks and make profits. The “recommendations” are just a cover; the actual stocks are chosen by the boss, who profits from client trades. The company operates on a profit-sharing model, with some stocks rising and others falling, ensuring the company always profits.

Industry data shows that Zunyi Xinben Ke Information Consulting was founded in September 2025 with 500,000 yuan, mainly engaged in business services, with the legal representative being Lin Haizai. Its address changed in December 2025.

Note: All translations are based on the original Chinese text, maintaining accuracy and clarity for an American English audience.