INTERNATIONAL – China is taking strict measures against the popular children’s snack, “wax bottle candy,” also known as “la ping tang,” due to significant food safety concerns. These colorful, chewy candies, made from beeswax and syrup, have recently gained attention through influencers promoting them online. However, the absence of crucial information like production dates, quality certificates, and manufacturer details has alarmed food safety authorities.
Enforcement Actions Across Provinces
Authorities in at least six provinces, including Gansu, Hubei, and Sichuan, have intensified inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Spot checks in Gansu’s Yuzhong county revealed that more than half of 68 businesses near schools were selling non-compliant candies. Officials confiscated nearly 100 boxes of the product and instructed retailers to remove the treats from shelves.
Other regions have issued warnings, highlighting that while beeswax itself is non-toxic, some manufacturers have been using low-grade or industrial wax, which could pose serious health risks. These candies, meant to be chewed to release syrup, are now under heightened scrutiny.
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International Concerns and Bans
The safety concerns surrounding “wax bottle candy” have extended beyond China. In Taiwan, food regulators began investigating the snack in mid-September. Taiwan’s health ministry recently issued a warning, reiterating that these products are illegal on the island as they lack import approvals.
Similarly, Thailand took action in December, cautioning consumers against purchasing the candies and directing e-commerce platforms to halt their sales. Despite these measures, listings for the snack remain accessible on platforms like Lazada and Shopee, with deliveries available to locations including Singapore. Prices for 30 pieces average around S$3 (US$2.30).
Broader Food Safety Issues in China
China’s food safety challenges are not limited to “wax bottle candy.” In September, authorities launched an investigation into goji berry production after reports revealed merchants were using harmful chemicals to maintain the berries’ vibrant color. Additionally, in July, a scandal erupted when news surfaced that tanker trucks, used alternately for transporting cooking oil and chemicals, were not properly cleaned between uses to cut costs.
