Core Viewpoint - A criminal and civil public interest lawsuit was filed against a supplier for selling counterfeit products, resulting in a prison sentence and significant fines, highlighting the importance of food safety and consumer protection in the industry [1][4][6]. Group 1: Case Details - The supplier, Zhang, was found guilty of selling horse meat disguised as donkey meat, which he did to increase profits after initially providing a mix of both [2][3]. - Zhang paid the restaurant's chef a kickback of 1-2 yuan per kilogram, totaling approximately 600 yuan per month, to facilitate the fraudulent sales [2]. - The restaurant was penalized for selling unverified donkey meat and failing to provide necessary documentation, leading to administrative sanctions [2][4]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - The case was escalated to the public interest litigation department after it was determined that the actions harmed food safety and public interest [4][6]. - The total sales amount of unverified donkey meat sold by the restaurant was approximately 807,993.85 yuan, with both parties violating food safety laws [4][6]. - The court sentenced Zhang to 18 months in prison (suspended for 18 months) and imposed a fine of 90,000 yuan, along with a punitive compensation of over 800,000 yuan to be paid jointly with the restaurant [6][8]. Group 3: Implications for Food Safety - The case underscores the risks associated with selling uninspected meat, including the potential spread of zoonotic diseases and contamination from harmful substances [5][6]. - The public interest litigation aims to deter similar illegal activities and enhance consumer confidence in food safety [7][8]. - The prosecution emphasized the need for strict regulatory measures and accountability in the food industry to protect consumer rights and ensure food safety [8].