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Controversy has arisen after mold toxins were detected in 'Maekdo Beer' produced by Harbin Brewery in China. As concerns among overseas consumers grew, the company explained that the product is "only sold in mainland China," which has angered Chinese consumers.

On the 21st, China's Qiao News reported that the Hong Kong Consumer Council tested the ingredients of 30 beers sold on the market and found deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin), a harmful mold toxin, in Harbin Maekdo Beer.

'Maekdo Beer' produced by Harbin Brewery.
[Image source=Baidu]

DON is one of the major toxins that contaminate grains, feed, and food products. Excessive intake of this toxin can cause symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. However, there are no clear regulations regarding the DON content in alcoholic beverages in both mainland China and Hong Kong. Therefore, the Hong Kong Consumer Council did not point out the beer as non-compliant in their report but did warn that it "poses a health risk."

As the controversy grew, Harbin Brewery stated that the product is only sold in the mainland. They further explained that they "comply with the laws and regulations of the mainland." However, this stance has drawn criticism from Chinese netizens. Chinese netizens responded with comments such as "Are you only selling toxic beer to us?", "Irresponsible," and "I will never buy it."

Local media reported that while the product is currently not sold on e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, JD.com, and Pinduoduo, it is still being sold elsewhere. The problematic Harbin Maekdo Beer is currently not sold domestically.

Meanwhile, Harbin Brewery, which first sold beer in China in 1900, is considered one of the four major beer brands in China alongside Snow, Yanjing, and Tsingtao beers. However, it was sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world's largest beer company, in 2004.