Core Viewpoint - The recent food safety incident involving Hema's supplier, Xiaochi Egg Industry, has raised concerns about quality control in the fresh food retail sector, highlighting the need for improved inspection and supply chain management practices [1][7]. Group 1: Incident Overview - On February 20, 2023, an inspection by the Shandong Provincial Market Supervision Administration revealed that Hema's supplier, Xiaochi Egg Industry, sold fresh eggs with excessive veterinary drug residues, leading to widespread attention [1]. - Xiaochi Egg Industry claimed that third-party retests showed the eggs were compliant, and other stores did not find issues with the same batch [1][2]. - The Shandong Provincial Market Supervision Administration stated that neither Hema nor Xiaochi Egg Industry applied for a re-inspection of the initial results [1]. Group 2: Hema's Product Range - Hema currently offers at least seven self-branded egg products, including organic and specialty eggs, with self-branded products occupying about two-thirds of the shelf space in stores visited [3][5]. - The self-branded eggs are sourced from various regions, including Shandong and Anhui provinces, indicating a diverse supply chain [5]. Group 3: Supply Chain Developments - Hema has been enhancing its supply chain capabilities, with the Shanghai Supply Chain Operation Center set to fully launch in July 2023, aiming to create a comprehensive logistics system for fresh products [5]. - The company has also invested in several suppliers, including a bakery factory that represents a full production chain from wheat to bread [5]. Group 4: Industry Implications - The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter quality control measures in the fresh food retail industry, as reliance on supplier self-testing can lead to trust issues [7][8]. - Experts suggest that fresh food retailers should establish their own testing teams and improve supply chain management to mitigate risks associated with food safety [7][8].