Sam Responds to "Pork Slaughtered Months Ago" Controversy: System Information Verification Error, All Products Are Fresh and Compliant Cold Fresh Meat

Sam responds to the controversy over “pork slaughtered months ago.”

On March 21, a relevant representative from Sam told The Paper that “we have noted the recent online discussions and have conducted a comprehensive investigation immediately. After verification, the online rumors are false. The products at the relevant stores are all fresh, compliant chilled meat, each with a qualified batch inspection certificate, and are not ‘frozen and thawed,’ nor is there any situation of ‘slaughtered months ago’ as claimed online.”

The representative further explained, “The main confusion caused by dates is due to system information synchronization and verification errors. We have initiated system integration optimization with our partners. During this period, some product traceability QR codes may temporarily be unavailable for query. Sam’s commitment to fresh quality remains unchanged. We appreciate public supervision and correction.”

Recently, the rumor that “Sam’s chilled pork is slaughtered months ago” trended on social media. According to media reports, a netizen in Shenzhen posted on social platforms that on March 18, they purchased black pig lean meat at a Sam’s Club in Shenzhen. When they scanned the QR code on the packaging at home, the page showed the “live pig receipt date” and “slaughter date” as November 9, 2025. A Sam’s staff member said they could process a return and explained that “chilled meat has a shelf life of 120 days.” When the netizen 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 sparked concerns among consumers about whether Sam’s was selling thawed frozen meat products.

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

At the Walmart China Supplier Summit 2025, 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’s 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.