Pet owners worldwide share a common concern: ensuring the safety of their furry companions' supplies. Cat litter, as an essential product for feline care, has recently become the center of a heated controversy involving the Chinese brand "Xu Cuihua" and its parent company, Gaoyejia.
Gaoyejia Fights Back: Requests Public Disclosure of Investigation Results
In an unexpected move, Gaoyejia recently announced through its official social media account that it had submitted a government information disclosure application to the Hangzhou Linping District Market Supervision Bureau on October 9, 2024. The company seeks to formally address recent allegations of false advertising and ingredient list falsification regarding its "Xu Cuihua" brand cat litter products.
Key points from Gaoyejia's disclosure application include:
Denial of Allegations: The company maintains that all accusations are false and do not reflect reality, despite significant public pressure.
Production Standards: Gaoyejia emphasizes strict quality control in manufacturing processes, asserting that no glue or binding agents are added and that all ingredients match product labeling. The company has reportedly obtained third-party verification through a Compliance Verification Certificate to support these claims.
Legal Action: Gaoyejia accuses the whistleblower of defamation and damage to brand reputation, stating it has collected evidence for potential criminal proceedings against what it describes as commercial slander and trade secret violations.
Regulatory Findings: No Grounds for Penalty
The Hangzhou Linping District Market Supervision Bureau responded to Gaoyejia's request with an official statement. According to the announcement, the bureau received complaints on September 24, 2024, alleging falsification of ingredients in Xu Cuihua plant-based cat litter.
After investigation, regulators determined that the product labeling complied with China's Product Quality Law and found no grounds for legal action under the Market Supervision Administration Penalty Procedures . The bureau noted that parties dissatisfied with the decision could file for administrative reconsideration within 60 days.
Whistleblower Continues Challenge
The controversy appears far from resolved. The prominent pet blogger "Cat Lover," who initially raised the allegations, has reportedly filed new complaints and requested administrative reconsideration, signaling continued opposition to the regulatory findings.
Uncertain Future: Key Factors in the Dispute
This ongoing conflict presents a complex scenario with several potential outcomes:
Further Regulatory Review: New complaints may trigger additional investigations with potentially different conclusions.
Legal Proceedings: If Gaoyejia pursues legal action against the whistleblower, court rulings could significantly impact the case.
Independent Verification: Additional third-party testing could provide more definitive answers about product safety.
For consumers caught in this dispute, experts recommend purchasing pet supplies through reputable channels, carefully reviewing product information, and retaining purchase documentation for potential warranty claims or complaints.
The Xu Cuihua case highlights broader concerns about quality control in the rapidly growing pet products industry, emphasizing the need for transparent manufacturing practices and effective consumer protection measures.