This year, World Consumer Rights Day on March 15 focused on “a just transition to sustainable lifestyles.” It’s an important theme, especially as consumer awareness grows. In China, the state broadcaster, CCTV, hosted the annual “315 Gala,” which calls attention to major consumer rights violations.
The 2025 Gala revealed troubling issues in products sold online. For example, some seafood suppliers were caught using illegal additives in prepackaged frozen shrimp. Also, there were factories that sold diapers and sanitary pads made from recycled waste. These revelations follow last year’s public outcry over quality problems with domestic sanitary products, which led many consumers to seek imported alternatives, particularly from Japan.
The “315 Gala” has faced criticism for only highlighting obvious offenders and for not addressing the deeper issues of product oversight in China. Many experts, including consumer rights advocates, feel it’s merely a surface-level solution to a much larger problem. A WeChat article pointed out that in the face of ongoing scandals—from fake food ingredients to substandard sanitary products—the annual event feels like “a drop in the ocean.”
Censorship is also a factor during this time. Comments critical of the Gala have been removed. One deleted remark noted the stark contrast between these scandals and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which insists that China is one of the safest countries in the world. This disconnect raises questions about consumer safety across various sectors in China.
As part of ongoing discourse, a significant story this year involved Yang Mingyu’s Braised Chicken with Rice. An investigative report revealed that some employees reused food scraps, horrifying many consumers and igniting a social media firestorm. This incident, among others, showcases a pronounced concern for food safety in the fast-food industry.
Moreover, some broadcasts around Consumer Rights Day attempted to push certain themes, such as limiting LGBTQ+ content in language-learning apps. This move sparked backlash on social media, with many users mocking the idea that simply reading terms like “lesbian” could influence someone’s sexual orientation. Responses like “How come I haven’t become straight yet?” highlight the absurdity many see in such censorship.
Overall, as consumer rights issues come to light, discussions around safety and quality are more important than ever. These conversations are critical for changing policies and ensuring better protections for consumers in the future. For more on consumer issues, you can check out reports from reputable sources like the World Consumers International and other user-focused platforms.
Check out this related article: Norovirus Outbreaks Surge in Hong Kong: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
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