China regulator summons Sam's Club execs over food safety violations

China's market regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), has summoned the senior management of Walmart (China) Investment Co, which operates Sam's Club stores, for an "accountability interview" regarding repeated food safety issues. The regulator urged the membership-based warehouse retailer to prioritize food safety, strictly fulfill social corporate responsibilities, and mitigate risks across its entire supply chain in both physical stores and online platforms.

Sam's Club China issued a statement acknowledging the issues, apologizing for any inconvenience, and pledging to establish a special rectification task force led by senior management. The company stated it would conduct a comprehensive self-inspection and rectification across all channels and the entire supply chain, strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations, and strengthen food safety and product quality controls.

These actions follow media reports exposing food safety incidents at Sam's Club stores over the past year, including a customer in Shenzhen reporting a live mouse in a box of mochi in December 2025, and other reports of rats and maggots found in products. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, some Hong Kong shoppers in Shenzhen remain undeterred, stating they will continue to shop for bargains, though they may become more selective. Many shoppers interviewed were unaware of the investigation until informed by reporters.