Shanghai Mooncake Inspection: 1 of 221 Batches Fails Acid Value Test

According to a Foodmate News (media) report, Shanghai carried out supervisory sampling of mooncake products in 2026, randomly testing 221 batches from production, distribution and catering channels across all 16 districts, including pastry shops, small and medium restaurants, online platforms and medium-to-large supermarkets, involving 44 brands and 86 mooncake producers such as Shanghai Guan Sheng Yuan, Zhejiang Laodafang, Hong Kong Maxim's and Hebei Huangzhuang mooncakes.

The report said testing followed GB 2760-2024, GB 7099-2015, GB 29921-2021 and Food Rectification Office [2009] No. 5, covering microbiological indicators (aerobic plate count, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella), preservatives (benzoic acid and its sodium salt, sorbic acid and its potassium salt), sweeteners (saccharin sodium, cyclamate), synthetic colorants (tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine, amaranth) and quality indicators such as acid value and peroxide value. The result: 220 batches passed and 1 batch failed.

The report said the nonconforming sample was 1 pastry batch, with acid value (fat basis) as the failed item. Acid value is an indicator of oxidative rancidity in fat-containing foods, and the failure indicates a deviation in the fat quality of that batch. The report listed only the failed item, without disclosing the measured value, the standard limit, or whether the batch poses any health risk; such judgments await authoritative conclusions.

The report said that for nonconforming products found in the sampling, local market regulators will promptly investigate and handle the food and its producers and operators, lawfully penalize violations and further urge companies to fulfill their legal obligations; results will be disclosed by the local regulator handling the case as required.

This file does not contain the company name, batch number or company response. The failure rate of about 0.5% (1/221) is a single-batch result for a pastry item and should not be extended to a brand or company as a whole. Consumers are advised to follow subsequent disclosures by local regulators and, if they purchased a batch named in the notice, to report it to local authorities with their purchase receipt.