Imagine purchasing freeze-dried pet food from a brand you trust, only to discover the production credentials on the packaging point to a factory that ceased manufacturing months ago. This appears to be the case with Chinese pet food brand "Liek," which is currently embroiled in a credibility crisis that reveals troubling practices in the pet food industry.
The "Liek" Freeze-Dried Mystery: Counterfeit Production Credentials
The controversy began when consumers questioned production dates on "Liek" freeze-dried products. Some packages bearing production dates of October and November 2024, along with manufacturing information from Nuosiqi Biotechnology, raised quality concerns. Nuosiqi subsequently issued a statement clarifying they had indeed produced semi-finished products for "Liek," but their last production date was July 26, 2024. The company confirmed they hadn't manufactured any products for "Liek" since then.
Shockingly, "Liek" continued using Nuosiqi's production credentials and feed production license numbers on packaging for products manufactured after August 2024 without authorization. This means current "Liek" products displaying Nuosiqi information were either self-produced by "Liek" or manufactured by other undisclosed factories.
"Liek's" Response: Ending Partnerships and New Facilities
Facing public backlash, "Liek" issued a statement announcing the termination of third-party manufacturing partnerships and discontinuation of third-party produced products. The company promoted its new Shanghai-based production facility, scheduled to begin operations in early 2025, promising improved taste, nutrition, and quality in future products. However, this response leaves unanswered questions about current product authenticity and quality control.
Corporate Connections: Listed Company Backing Raises Concerns
While "Liek" maintains relatively low brand recognition, its corporate connections reveal substantial financial backing. The brand operates under Shanghai Lieshike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., which is ultimately controlled by Yao Shuobin, chairman of Shanghai Yaoji Technology Co., Ltd., a publicly listed company. This corporate structure makes the quality control failures particularly concerning, as they contradict the expected standards of a publicly traded entity.
Industry Woes: Recurring Pet Food Quality Issues
The "Liek" incident represents just one example in a series of pet food quality scandals throughout 2024. Reports have included:
- Low-cost pet foods from Hebei province containing substandard ingredients
- A Shanghai manufacturer substituting fresh meat with frozen products
- A Beijing freeze-dried brand repackaging expired products using spoiled ingredients
These issues affect both budget products and established brands, highlighting systemic problems in the rapidly growing industry.
Regulatory Gaps: The Need for Stronger Oversight
Industry experts note that current pet food regulations lack comprehensive oversight mechanisms. This regulatory gap allows manufacturers prioritizing profit over quality to flourish, particularly among brands that gain quick popularity through online platforms. Established domestic brands that have invested in scientific branding and consumer trust must maintain rigorous quality standards to preserve industry credibility.
Future Challenges: Rebuilding Consumer Confidence
The pet food industry faces significant challenges in restoring consumer trust. Without meaningful corporate accountability and strengthened regulatory enforcement, quality concerns may continue eroding consumer confidence. Pet owners play a crucial role in demanding higher standards by making informed purchasing decisions that support responsible manufacturers.
Purchasing Recommendations:
- Prioritize established brands: Choose companies with proven track records and positive consumer feedback
- Verify production credentials: Cross-check manufacturer information against official records
- Review ingredient lists: Select nutritionally balanced formulas with transparent sourcing
- Exercise caution with deep discounts: Exceptionally low prices often indicate compromised quality
The "Liek" controversy serves as a critical reminder of the pet food industry's responsibility to prioritize product integrity over profits. Simultaneously, regulatory bodies must establish and enforce comprehensive standards to ensure industry-wide accountability. Only through these combined efforts can the sector achieve sustainable growth while protecting animal welfare and consumer interests.