Core Viewpoint - The recent investigation by CCTV has exposed a fraudulent milk powder production chain, revealing the alarming presence of counterfeit dairy products in the market, which has raised significant concerns about food safety in China [1][4]. Group 1: Fraudulent Production and Distribution - The counterfeit milk powder was produced in unsanitary conditions, using low-cost ingredients like vegetable fat and maltodextrin, and was falsely marketed as high-quality imported products [1]. - The scale of the fraud involved over 6 million yuan, with more than 6,000 boxes of fake milk powder distributed nationwide through e-commerce and social media platforms [1]. - The profit margins for the counterfeiters exceeded 10 times, with production costs ranging from 2 to 4 yuan, while retail prices on e-commerce platforms reached 30 to 88 yuan [1]. Group 2: Role of E-commerce Platforms - E-commerce platforms facilitated the distribution of counterfeit products through precise algorithmic targeting, reaching health-conscious consumers and price-sensitive groups [2]. - The low-cost, wide-reaching distribution model allowed small-scale producers to access a national market without the need for physical storefronts, significantly enhancing the scale of fraud [2]. - Trust in these platforms was manipulated by influencers promoting the products as "overseas direct supply" and "duty-free specials," which misled consumers and created a false sense of security [2]. Group 3: Regulatory and Legal Implications - Existing laws, such as the Food Safety Law and the E-commerce Law, clearly define the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms in ensuring food safety and holding them accountable for counterfeit products [3]. - The involved platforms failed to verify essential documentation for the counterfeit products, indicating a serious neglect of their regulatory responsibilities [3]. - The legal framework emphasizes that platforms cannot evade responsibility by claiming non-self-operated sales, and regulatory bodies must enhance accountability measures against negligent platforms [4].

Core Viewpoint - A recent investigation revealed a counterfeit milk powder industry in China, highlighting significant issues in food safety and platform accountability [1][3]. Group 1: Counterfeit Milk Powder Case - The counterfeit milk powder operation involved mixing plant-based ingredients and industrial flavoring to create fake products marketed as high-end milk powders, with a total case value exceeding 6.5 million yuan [1]. - Over 6,000 boxes of counterfeit milk powder were distributed nationwide through e-commerce and social media platforms, deceiving many consumers [1]. - The profit margin for counterfeiters exceeded 10 times, with production costs as low as 2 to 4 yuan, while retail prices ranged from 30 to 88 yuan [1]. Group 2: Role of Platforms - Platforms facilitated the distribution of counterfeit products through precise algorithmic targeting, reaching health-conscious consumers and price-sensitive groups [2]. - The low-cost, wide-reaching nature of online sales allowed a small workshop in Henan to cover the entire national market without physical storefronts [2]. - Trust was falsely constructed by influencers using marketing tactics that misled consumers about the legitimacy of the products, leading to a false sense of security regarding platform integrity [2]. Group 3: Regulatory and Accountability Issues - Existing laws, such as the Food Safety Law and E-commerce Law, clearly define the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms in ensuring food safety and holding them accountable for counterfeit products [3]. - The involved platforms failed to verify essential documentation for the counterfeit milk powder, indicating a serious neglect of their regulatory responsibilities [3]. - The need for stricter enforcement of platform accountability is emphasized, as merely punishing producers is insufficient to eliminate food safety risks [4].