Sam responds to the controversy over "pork slaughtered months ago": a system information verification error, with all products being fresh, compliant chilled meat.

Sam Responds to “Pork Slaughtered Months Ago” Controversy

On March 21, a relevant spokesperson from Sam told The Paper, “We have noticed recent online discussions and have conducted a comprehensive investigation immediately. After verification, the information circulating online is false. The products in question at the relevant stores are all fresh, compliant chilled meat, each with a qualified batch quarantine certificate, and are not ‘frozen and thawed,’ nor is there any online rumor of ‘slaughtered months ago.’”

The spokesperson further pointed out, “The main confusion caused by the date is due to system information synchronization and verification errors. We have initiated system integration optimization with our partners, during which some product traceability QR codes may temporarily be unqueryable. Sam’s commitment to fresh quality remains consistent. We appreciate public supervision and correction.”

Recently, the rumor that “Sam’s chilled pork was slaughtered months ago” trended on social media. According to media reports, a Shenzhen netizen posted on social media that on March 18, they purchased black pig lean meat at a Sam membership store in Shenzhen. After returning home and scanning the packaging QR code, the page showed the “live pig receipt date” and “slaughter date” as November 9, 2025. A Sam staff member said they could process a return and explained that “chilled meat has a shelf life of 120 days.” When asked further, the staff changed their explanation to “the traceability code was not updated.” On March 19, when the netizen scanned again, they found the “food traceability information” had disappeared. This once sparked consumer concerns about whether Sam was selling thawed frozen meat products.

China’s first Sam store opened in Shenzhen in August 1996. Currently, Sam has opened over 60 stores in more than 30 cities across China. Previously, the quality retail model of Sam and other membership-based supermarkets has inspired many domestic retailers to learn from. The core competitiveness of Sam’s membership fee model lies in its strong supply chain system and strict product selection standards, providing paid members with relatively exclusive products.

At the 2025 Walmart China Supplier Summit, Walmart China President and CEO Zhu Xiaojing stated that in recent years, Walmart China has maintained strong growth momentum. Since 2021, the company’s net sales have achieved double-digit growth, with e-commerce accounting for nearly 50%. As business grows rapidly, Sam will continue to raise standards, strengthen quality, enhance differentiation, and ensure stable large-scale supply. Walmart China is committed to establishing honest, equal, and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, advocating close cooperation with partners, with the core principles of “Customer First, Member First,” jointly practicing quality-first, creating products beyond expectations, implementing everyday low prices, and strengthening supply chain security to bring high-quality products to customers and members.

(Source: The Paper)