A joint investigation by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, National Health Commission and National Disease Control and Prevention Administration examined claims that formamide had been found in infant diapers and blood. The findings were released on October 15, 2026.
The investigation covered all 168 infant diaper manufacturers in China, including contract manufacturers. No formamide was detected in 368 finished-product samples from 180 brands or in 32 samples taken from specific diaper components. Retesting samples kept by the social media account “靠谱老王” also found none in 58 samples from 15 brands.
All inspected manufacturers met sanitation requirements. Investigators found no evidence that formamide had been added during production or was present in raw materials. They also reported significant shortcomings in testing conducted by several bloggers and laboratories.
The Mass Spectrometry Research and Clinical Application Center at the Shandong Provincial Public Health Clinical Center began testing blood for formamide in June 2026. The work was at an early research stage, and the center acknowledged that its method was not yet complete. Experts said the testing process was unreliable and its conclusions could not be trusted.
The joint group sealed 210 blood samples used by the center and took them to Beijing for retesting. No formamide was detected in any of the samples.
The investigation found issues in several tests, including failure to examine blank and parallel samples, deletion of original data and insufficient validation of testing methods. The Shandong Provincial Health Commission took action over violations by a medical institution and its staff.
Authorities said they would continue strengthening oversight of products for infants and guide manufacturers in improving quality-management systems and meeting their sanitation and safety responsibilities.
