Chinese police have dismantled a large-scale counterfeit beef operation in Sichuan province after uncovering a syndicate that allegedly disguised cheap pork as fresh beef using beef fat, beef blood and beef flavouring.
Authorities in Shifang City said the operation led to the closure of three illegal processing facilities, the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of nearly one tonne of fake beef products. The case is estimated to involve around RMB1 million (approximately US$140,000).
The investigation began after police noticed street vendors selling “fresh beef” at prices significantly below the market rate. Suspicious of the unusually cheap meat, officers collected samples for laboratory testing, which confirmed the products were actually pork that had been chemically and physically altered to resemble beef.
According to investigators, the syndicate had been operating since the second half of 2025, establishing a complete supply chain that covered the procurement of raw pork, processing, packaging and distribution to multiple locations.
Police said the suspects allegedly coated pork with beef fat and mixed beef blood with beef flavouring to give the meat the appearance, colour and smell of genuine fresh beef before selling it to unsuspecting consumers.
After weeks of surveillance, more than 60 police officers carried out coordinated raids in the early hours of July 9, successfully dismantling the three illegal workshops.
During the operation, officers seized nearly one tonne of raw materials and processed fake beef products, along with six containers of beef flavouring, large quantities of beef blood, beef fat and other equipment believed to have been used in the operation.
The case has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with many users expressing shock over the elaborate counterfeit scheme.
Some netizens joked that the incident explained why extremely cheap beef skewers sold at roadside barbecue stalls often “don’t taste like beef at all.”
Police said investigations are ongoing.
