China’s ‘Hermès of ice cream’ does not melt at high temperatures or when exposed to fire, so customers ask: what’s in it?
- China’s most expensive ice cream is under investigation after videos emerge of products not melting at high room temperatures or when exposed to fire
- Consumers, already angry at high and rising prices, now demand to know what is in Zhong Xue Gao brand ice cream products
A luxury Chinese ice-cream brand is at the centre of controversy after revelations that its products do not melt in hot temperatures or when exposed to fire prompting questions about what is in its products.
Earlier this week, a viral short video clip showed an internet user testing a Zhong Xue Gao brand ice cream by burning part of it with a lighter and showing that it does not melt, China News Service reported.
In the video, smoke soon appeared after the ice cream touched the fire, and the scent of burnt food could be smelled, according to the report.
The footage was released after another social media post claimed that the brand’s baysalt coconut flavour ice cream did not melt at a temperature of 31 degrees after more than 50 minutes.
The video, viewed 500 million times on Weibo, showed the ice cream stayed in a sticky state, rather than melting into liquid as normal ice cream would.
Dubbed the “Hermès of ice cream”, Shanghai-based Zhong Xue Gao has been popular in major cities across the mainland, despite its relatively high price of about 20 yuan (US$3) for an ice cream bar, several times the cost of most of its competitors. Some of its premier-edition ice creams are sold at 70 yuan (US$10.50) or higher.
An officer from local regulator the Shanghai Market Supervision and Management Bureau said on Tuesday that they were aware of the videos and said it is investigating the case, the report said.
