China’s State Administration for Market Regulation issued two supplementary
testing methods to detect novel derivatives of phenolphthalein‑type and
bisacodyl‑type substances illegally added to food. These stimulant laxatives can
cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, electrolyte disorders and liver or kidney damage
with prolonged ingestion. As enforcement intensified, some actors synthesized
new derivatives to evade detection and added them to jellies, candied fruit,
confectionery and beverages while falsely claiming therapeutic effects. The new
methods can identify multiple novel derivatives and provide technical support
for regulatory enforcement, prosecution and sentencing.
