Controversies

Wang Minghui and other former executives reported to be under investigation

In May 2024, Economic Observer reported that five former senior executives of Yunnan Baiyao, including former chairman Wang Minghui and former chief operating officer Yin Pinyao, were successively investigated over the same matter. The company's relevant response said it was unaware of this; this entry retains its status as a media report and does not, on that basis, determine any crime or amount involved.

Pangolin-related environmental and wildlife-conservation controversy

On December 21, 2021, Norway’s Government Pension Fund excluded Yunnan Baiyao from investment. The stated reason was an unacceptable risk that the company contributed to serious environmental damage, specifically through the use and sale of body parts from pangolins, a globally endangered species. The decision became a significant international corporate-responsibility issue associated with the group.

Yunnan Baiyao discloses mask quality issue and apologizes

Hazard disclosure

Yunnan Baiyao apologized to consumers and disclosed that a batch of its disposable medical masks failed testing because ventilation resistance did not meet requirements. The company said uneven melt-blown fabric caused the issue and that it affected breathing feel and comfort while wearing the masks.

State-owned shareholder representative opposes Yunnan Baiyao investment

Issue disclosure

A state-owned shareholder representative voted against Yunnan Baiyao's proposed capital increase to acquire an equity stake in Anhui Jinjianqiao Medical Technology. The representative cited concerns about the target company's financial condition, the information provided about its product competitiveness, and the clarity of the investment strategy. The vote concerned the proposed capital increase and acquisition of an equity stake in the target company.

Toothpaste false-advertising lawsuit

A lawyer alleged that Yunnan Baiyao toothpaste advertising and ingredient presentation could mislead consumers by highlighting traditional Chinese medicine while not clearly identifying tranexamic acid. The dispute raised questions about evidence, labeling and the commercial use of a secret formula.

Some medicines recalled in Hong Kong over undeclared aconite alkaloids

In February 2013, the Hong Kong Department of Health asked wholesalers to recall five Yunnan Baiyao products because they contained undeclared aconite alkaloids. Mainland drug regulatory authorities subsequently responded and summoned the company for talks, reminding the public to use the medicine reasonably according to the instructions. This entry concerns an ingredient-labeling and drug-regulation incident in a specific region and is not related to Yunnan Baiyao toothpaste.