Fake blood sales widespread

Fake blood protein was sold in at least eight provinces and regions in China. The protein, albumin, is given to chronically ill patients to maintain the volume of blood in the body. In a posting on its website, the State Food and Drug Aministration said sales of fake albumin are widespread, the Wall Street Journal reported, adding that it is still unclear whether any fake albumin was exported. China released the details of its five-year plan to contain "illegal activities behind the production and sale of fake and shoddy foods and pharmaceuticals" last week. The latest incident came to light after state media reported that 59 hospitals and pharmacies in Jilin province had purchased fake albumin that could worsen a patient's condition and even cause death. According to the statement Monday, more than 2,000 vials of fake albumin were discovered in Jilin alone, 1,554 of which had already been administered to patients.