Which Products Are the Most Toxic in China?

Oxidised food and products are everywhere in China and are impossible to guard against. (Video screenshot)

[People News]  In China, any topic related to toxic food or products immediately draws public attention online.

Recently, the media revealed that some cheap phone cases sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms contain lead levels exceeding the national safety limit by 30 times. Long-term contact with such products can damage bones and lead to kidney failure.

According to tests by the Zhejiang Provincial Market Supervision Bureau on 20 phone case models, several low-priced ones had lead content surpassing the national standard by up to 30 times. Excessive lead exposure not only harms human cells but can also damage bones and cause kidney failure. Many consumers commented that after buying a “9.9-yuan, shipping-included” phone case online, it emitted a strong plastic odour when opened. Others noted that some cheap cases also had dangerous levels of formaldehyde and benzene compounds, with pungent smells—prolonged exposure to these carcinogens could lead to chronic poisoning.

According to Dajiyuan, industry insiders disclosed that legitimate raw materials for phone cases cost tens of thousands of yuan per ton, while mixing in waste plastic can reduce costs by two-thirds. Some unscrupulous manufacturers reportedly use recycled medical waste and electronic trash to produce these cases, which often contain multiple toxic substances.

Experts advise consumers to choose cases made of liquid silicone or TPU materials from reputable brands and avoid overly decorative and extremely cheap products without manufacturing information (“three-no” products: no brand, no manufacturer, no safety certificate).

Toxic products made in China are rampant, yet the government turns a blind eye. Netizens have commented that even more expensive products often fail safety standards. Many question why these hazardous items are allowed to be manufactured and sold if they don’t meet regulations, criticising the negligence of Chinese regulatory authorities.

Even CCTV, the state-run broadcaster, recently reported on a popular toy among youth and children called “squeeze toys” (“捏捏乐”). Many products emitted sharp, irritating odours, and users developed symptoms like hand ulcers and eye irritation. Testing found that these toys contained dangerous levels of toluene, formaldehyde, and phthalates (plasticisers), with some items exceeding safe limits by up to 509 times. These substances can severely damage the respiratory and immune systems, especially in growing children.

Overseas commentators have summed it up: “Chinese-made goods are garbage—buy them and suffer the consequences!” Under the CCP’s authoritarian rule, pesticide levels in produce are excessive, and everyday items like cooking oil, sauces, bread, noodles, skincare products, vaccines, and even milk powder are toxic. Now, even clothes, pants, children’s products, and toys are contaminated. “Is the CCP trying to wipe out the Chinese people?” one commenter asked. “Unless the CCP is overthrown, China’s food safety issues will never end.”

A netizen named "励志" left a comment on the People’s Report website: “The most toxic product is not food or goods, but the cultural propaganda exported by the CCP. It brainwashes the people, turning one of the world’s smartest populations into livestock for the Party to exploit and abuse. Tragically, many of them still see the CCP as a saviour. That shows just how poisonous the Party’s evil culture truly is.”

Another commenter, "秦月", wrote: “In China, children in kindergarten are forced to watch CCP propaganda and Xi Jinping’s speeches. Netizens say the CCP starts brainwashing kids early, turning them into ‘little red soldiers’ who grow up incapable of distinguishing right from wrong and blindly defend the Party as ‘little pinks’ (young nationalists). Shockingly, even children in Hong Kong kindergartens aren’t spared. During the Cultural Revolution, the CCP smashed Confucian temples and burned ancient texts. Now it uses the name of Confucius to export so-called ‘Confucius Institutes’ to foreign countries. In reality, they’re spreading Marxism-Leninism and Maoism under a false label, undermining global democracy and freedom. These institutes should be renamed ‘Marx-Lenin-Mao Institutes.’”

A netizen named “明辨是非” (“Discern Right from Wrong”) added: “The CCP exports fentanyl globally, and domestically allows shady manufacturers to mix toxic chemicals into food, medicine, toys, and nearly every household item. This poisons the Chinese people, causing widespread diseases and cancers, pushing them to hospitals and draining their wallets. Men, women, young and old—all are targets. The CCP came from the Soviet Union to destroy China. Only by eliminating the Communist Party can Chinese people hope to survive.”