3 sentenced to 15 years for producing fake milk powder across China

Three people have been sentenced to 15 years in prison for producing and selling fake milk powder nationwide in a case involving 6.5 million yuan, according to state media reports.

China Central Television's "Legal Report" program revealed Wednesday that Zhongmou County police in Henan province uncovered the operation in August 2024, discovering a warehouse facility producing counterfeit foreign-brand milk powder.

Police testing showed the fake products contained mostly maltodextrin with almost no fat or protein, consisting primarily of non-dairy creamer mixed with starch.

The operation created fake documentation to present the products as imported milk powder, marketing them as "rich in milk, calcium and protein" and suitable for infants, elderly and immunocompromised individuals through e-commerce platforms.

The case has drawn comparisons to the 2003 Fuyang "big head baby" scandal where 12 infants died and 189 others suffered severe malnutrition and developmental disorders after consuming fake milk powder. Experts noted the recent counterfeit products contained over 90 percent carbohydrates without nutritional value.