Investigation into pharmacy's mask sales

A Shanghai pharmacy is being investigated for selling expired medical facial masks without a qualification certificate, authorities said on Tuesday.

Qingpu District Administration for Market Regulation received a tip-off on Monday night, saying the Qinghu outlet of pharmacy chain Shanghai Haoyaoshi in Qingpu was selling expired masks.

The pharmacy operator said the store purchased 50,000 surgical masks and 9,000 particles-proof masks via friends and online channels, the administration said.

However, these masks did not have a qualification certificate, officials found.

The substandard masks were destroyed and the pharmacy is being investigated, the administration said.

It may face a fine and sentence in both administrative and criminal lawsuits, it added.

Market watchdogs in Shanghai have stepped up a crackdown on stockpiling protective products against the pneumonia or gouging customers, and selling substandard facial masks.

The tip-off hotline is 12315.