What Was Sold as Donkey Meat Turns Out to Be Horse Meat... Vendors Sacrifice Ethics for '90% Profit Margin'

Donkey Meat and Hide Prices Skyrocket
More Vendors Mixing Horse Meat to Boost Profits

As donkey meat prices surge in China, there has been growing controversy over an increasing number of vendors mixing horse meat into their products.

On December 22, China National Radio reported, "Donkey meat sold in Beijing is often actually horse meat or a mixture of both, and most places do not disclose this fact."

Photo for article understanding purposes only, unrelated to the content. Pixabay.

The reason for mixing donkey meat or passing off horse meat as donkey meat is profit. According to China National Radio, vendors can make profit margins of over 90%. In China, donkey meat is known to be several times more expensive than pork or horse meat. There is even a saying, "In the sky, there is dragon meat; on the ground, there is donkey meat," highlighting donkey meat's reputation as a delicacy in China. Recently, while there is no shortage of beef, pork, or horse meat, there is a shortage of donkeys, causing both meat and hide prices to skyrocket.

Although prices may vary by region, reports indicate that horse meat sells for 32 yuan (about 6,700 won) per 500 grams, while donkey meat is priced at 90 yuan (about 19,000 won) per 500 grams. Industry experts unanimously say that it is difficult to distinguish donkey meat from horse meat based on taste alone. One industry insider warned, "Passing off horse meat as donkey meat may yield short-term profits, but it drags the entire industry into disrepute," adding, "Donkey meat vendors will lose their competitiveness and suffer losses."

As donkey meat prices soar in China, the prices of donkey meat sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms vary widely. Chinese e-commerce.

He emphasized the need to mandate clear labeling of ingredients used on menus. He further stressed, "Protecting consumers' right to know is an important measure for the long-term development of the food service industry."

Shandong TV also reported on the widespread practice of mixing donkey meat or substituting it with other meats. On December 22, Shandong TV analyzed products from 12 vendors selling donkey meat sandwiches in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, and found horse meat in samples from seven of them. While such illegal sales allow vendors to reap huge profits, consumers inevitably suffer losses. Shandong TV stated, "Authorities must strengthen regulations and punish such false labeling and fraudulent practices."