The general manager of Hema Fresh Shanghai was sacked on Wednesday after an employee of the Alibaba Group food retailer was found replacing old labels on food with new ones showing a later date.
Hou Yi, CEO of Hema Fresh, apologized and said inspections have been conducted at all outlets of the food retailer to improve its operation standards in an open letter. Strictest punishment will be delivered for any violations against consumers, he said.
Hou said Hema Fresh will recruit consumers as its service inspectors after the incident. The retailer said it strictly prohibits such practice and the management was not aware of the act.
The food retailer will face punishment over suspected consumer fraud, an official with the Jing'an District market watchdog said on Wednesday.
Hema Fresh said it was “ashamed” of the incident. The employee concerned has been fired. Shine.cn reports that the incident has triggered a buzz among consumers.