Suspected rat head in a packet of chili powder purchased online photo: screenshot of online video

A market supervision bureau in Southwest China's Guizhou Province has launched an investigation after a consumer claimed to have discovered a suspected rat head in a packet of chili powder purchased online, according to media reports.

According to online posts, the consumer found an object with hair inside the chili powder, which was reportedly produced by an enterprise in Congjiang county from Guizhou. The object was described in posts as resembling a rodent's head, Beijing News reported. 

In response, the Congjiang county market supervision bureau said in a statement released on Monday that it had immediately formed an investigation team upon receiving the tip. The team is conducting a comprehensive review of the involved manufacturer, Congjiang Lehua Food Factory, focusing on its raw material procurement, production, processing, and storage and transportation processes.

The bureau stated it is also actively contacting the original poster to gather more detailed information about the incident. 

The involved chili powder production firm was confirmed to have had suspended production on Monday, and has been cooperating with local government, according to Beijing News. 

Global Times