Placenta workshop declared illegal

The market watchdog in Jinqiao Town in the Pudong New Area said on Tuesday that an underground workshop making and selling placenta capsules was illegal.

A man, surnamed Chen, who used his apartment as the workshop, has confessed to the authorities and said he would cooperate with them on further investigations.

Chen said that none of the placenta he processed at home was from a hospital. Most had been brought to him by the mothers themselves, some non-local mothers had also sent placenta to him via express delivery.

The Jinqiao health commission said they hadn't found any evidence that suggested the placenta came from local hospitals.

The penalties for Chen’s illegal workshop will be decided after all investigations are complete, said a Jinqiao official.