Gelita May Seek Legal Action in China Following Scathing TV Report

19 March 2014 --- Gelita has said its Gelita China arm may investigate possible legal action after suffering ‘serious damages’ to its business and reputation in the wake of a scathing report shown on China Central Television (CCTV). In the report, called ‘Gelatine Shadow’, a number of Chinese gelatine producers, including Gelita Cangnan Gelatine Co. Ltd, had reportedly used technical raw material referred to as ‘tannery waste’ for food and pharma gelatine production in China.

Gelita has said that due to this report, some of its customers have cancelled their cooperation with Gelita China, which has therefore damaged both its business and reputation.

In a statement by the company about the report, Gelita said it “reserves a different opinion to the accusation that it is using any raw material which is now suitable for food and pharma gelatines”.

As consumer and product safety is of highest importance for Gelita, Gelita immediately arranged a meeting with Wenzhou FDA on March 16 following the report released on CCTV, which took place on 15 March. In the meeting, Gelita emphasized and FDA confirmed that Gelita has always acted and is acting in compliance with all applicable Chinese laws and industry standards. Gelita said it will fully support and corporate with FDA for related inspections.

Gelita constantly increases the quality control on the incoming raw materials and enhances management of suppliers to ensure the food safety of Gelita products, the company said. Globally Gelita has a strict quality system in place, ensuring Gelita products are safe and in line with the legal requirement worldwide. Since the beginning of the business in China, Gelita’s operation in China always complies with the same global systematic standards.
 
As a German enterprise having approximately 140 years professional experience in gelatine production, Gelita is confident to constantly provide Chinese consumers and customers with safe and reliable products as always.

By Sonya Hook