Guangzhou Kangmaigu fined 380 million yuan for adulterated gout supplements

Authorities in China have dismantled a major illegal supply chain involving gout-relief supplements that were secretly adulterated with prescription drug waste. The investigation centered on Guangzhou Kangmaigu Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., which produced compressed candies marketed as natural remedies for gout.

Testing revealed that products, including brands such as Meilisen, Yipin Jiangnan Chuntang, Meiyinian, and Bian Yaoshi, contained ‘Febuxostat Impurity K’. This substance is a manufacturing byproduct of the prescription medication febuxostat and is strictly prohibited in food products. Consuming the impurity can cause heart palpitations and damage to the liver and kidneys.

To evade detection, the company disguised the illegal additive as expensive ‘fruit and vegetable powder’ and conducted night-shift production to avoid leaving inventory. The markup was extreme: products costing approximately 7.48 yuan to produce were sold to consumers for 598 yuan. Following the investigation, the State Administration for Market Regulation revoked Kangmaigu’s food production license and imposed fines exceeding 380 million yuan. Criminal charges are being pursued against those responsible.