Farine under fire (and closed) for using expired flour

Your WeChat Moments might be blowing up with images of Farine, but not for the coy-selfie-with-croissant images the bakery is normally known for. The original Wukang Lu location of the 'wanghong' (网红, or roughly 'internet famous'), popular French bakery was closed today by Shanghai authorities due to allegations of the use of expired flour. The locally bred chain of upscale bakeries by Franck Pecol has five locations across town including its newest offshoot Farine LAB. The remaining locations across the city have since been shuttered by Farine to allow for faster inspection by government authorities while a full investigation is conducted.

Photo: Steven Chen

Photo: Steven Chen

The Minhang-based factory that prepares the bakery's dough was initially closed on March 20 by food inspection authorities, however products continued to be sold at Farine branches throughout the city, reported Xinmin News.

Seal on the factory door dated March 20. Photo: Xinmin.cn

The story first swept the internet in Chinese late last night when a former staff member released video clips on Weibo showing the alleged use of expired flour despite ongoing investigations at the factory. Check out some of his footage below:

In response to the allegations scandal, Farine has told Time Out Shanghai:

'We are aware that there has been allegations made against the bakery with regards to the raw ingredients we use. We take these allegations very seriously and we are also working closely with Shanghai authorities to resolve this matter.

'Please trust that we are committed to protect our team and insure the best service to our customers.

'We look forward to updating our valued customers in a transparent manner.'

Chinese television station Dongfang reported this morning that last night Shanghai authorities investigated Farine's main factory and found the use of expired flour in products that were then distributed to all Farine branches. They have instructed Farine to discard the products. The investigation is still underway.

Video: Xinmin News