The bun scandal deals another blow to shoppers' confidence in buying food products, as well as the reputation of local retailers. Li Zhen reports on shoppers' reactions in Shanghai.

An initial investigation by the municipal government revealed that the Shanghai Shenglu Food Company produced more than 3-thousand steamed buns daily. These were then sold across the city, including large supermarkets such as Hualian, Lianhua and Dia.

Fewer steamed buns were for sale at this Lianhua supermarket. More than 32-thousand buns were taken off store shelves when the scandal emerged.

Mr. Wang, Sales Manager of Lianhua Supermarket, said, "We removed the steamed buns produced by Shenglu as soon as we learned of the incident. We gave customers who had bought the steamed buns from our outlets refunds with their receipts. Despite the scandal, our sales volume has been fine so far."

However, most customers we met remained concerned about food safety. Steamed buns are a regular breakfast staple for Ms. Gao. She used to buy them mostly from supermarkets because she felt it was in a clean and safe environment.

But now, she has second thoughts about buying the popular snack.

Ms. Gao, Shanghai Shopper, said, "I can't believe that even steamed buns from the supermarket are no longer safe. The only places I trusted to shop at were major supermarkets and specialist shops. But now even there, product quality cannot be guaranteed. I really don't know where to buy my goods from in the future."

Shoppers at supermarkets who still bought steamed buns said they had few alternative options.

"I feel like giving up on supermarkets. But I really don't know where to do my food shopping. I can't make these things myself," said Ms. Tang, a Shanghai shopper.

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