# Lao Gan Ma faces online boycott threats over viral rumours it replaced workers with AI

> Original title: How Lao Gan Ma, China’s iconic chilli brand, got caught in an AI storm

- Source: South China Morning Post · Tech
- Published: 2026-10-28T08:00:12.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/isto9903yptu4nnqdxku91ryy
- Original: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3372414/how-lao-gan-ma-chinas-iconic-chilli-brand-got-caught-ai-storm

## Summary

Viral claims on Weibo said Lao Gan Ma cut its chilli-sorting workforce from more than 600 people to 48 after installing an AI-powered inspection system, sparking boycott threats. The rumours highlight public unease over automation and jobs in China, according to the South China Morning Post.