Reedley Biolab: State Plans to Remove Remaining Test Kits on Monday

REEDLEY — November 7, 2026. California health officials are scheduled to remove and destroy the last materials held at the former illegal laboratory near I Street and 10th Street on Monday, November 9, Reedley officials say. The action would mark another step in a case that first came to light in late 2022.

What remains at the property?

The California Department of Public Health received court clearance to dispose of testing kits, including pregnancy and COVID-19 tests. The materials had been retained as evidence during the criminal case involving Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He. A jury convicted him on 12 counts, while sentencing had been delayed, according to the latest report.

How the investigation began

A local code inspection in December 2022 exposed unauthorized laboratory activity and thousands of vials of biological material. State and local authorities handled the investigation and prior remediation. City Manager Nicole Zieba told ABC30 that the owner of the building, who was not charged, previously reimbursed the city for cleanup costs.

Traffic impact and next steps

Officials expect one traffic lane near the site to close while crews remove materials. Removal is scheduled, not yet completed; residents should watch for confirmation from state and city agencies before assuming all remaining evidence is gone.

Source: ABC30, November 7, 2026.

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