Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant food safety incident involving the brand "Ma Liu Ji," which exposes governance shortcomings in China's new consumption sector, particularly in the area of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) production [2][11]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The incident began with reports of moldy and discolored "Ma Liu Ji" spicy noodles, leading to their removal from Costco stores due to quality concerns [2]. - The OEM factory, Sichuan Bai Jia A Kuan Food Industry Co., Ltd., acknowledged production deficiencies in sanitation, resulting in potential bacterial contamination [4]. - The brand's delayed response to the crisis, relying on consumer complaints and external pressures, indicates a failure in proactive governance [4][5]. Group 2: Governance Issues - The shared OEM model among multiple brands creates vulnerabilities, as issues in one brand can lead to widespread distrust across all brands using the same production line [5][10]. - Brand oversight is often limited to contractual agreements and random inspections, lacking real-time data and accountability mechanisms [5][9]. - The lack of transparency in production processes complicates the ability to trace responsibility when issues arise, leading to a "blind box" scenario for consumers [5][10]. Group 3: Broader Implications - The article draws parallels with other brands like "Lai Yi Fen," which have faced similar food safety controversies due to governance failures in their OEM practices [7]. - The reliance on a "light asset" model prioritizes marketing over production oversight, resulting in a lack of governance capabilities within many consumer brands [10][11]. - The article emphasizes that food safety should not solely rely on the integrity of companies but must be integrated into a robust governance framework [11][12]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Brands should clarify their responsibilities within the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework, including supply chain management and compliance protocols [12]. - Establishing "ESG co-governance agreements" with OEM partners can enhance accountability and oversight [12]. - Implementing technology for real-time production data visibility can improve monitoring and governance of OEM practices [12].
你以为你吃的是麻六记,其实不过是代工“盲盒”