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Update Date: 2009/04/16 04:09 [Reporters Huang Shuli, Yu Bolin / Comprehensive Report]
Edible preserved radish was found to contain industrial-grade formaldehyde, a preservative used for animal specimens, with levels as high as 200 ppm. Yunlin County Health Bureau inspectors were shocked, saying it was practically treating humans like specimens, and excessive consumption could be fatal.
Last month, the county health bureau conducted inspections on preserved radish sold in local stores, supermarkets, and used in schools. A total of 17 samples were tested for preservatives such as sorbic acid, dehydroacetic acid, and benzoic acid, as well as industrial-grade formaldehyde, sterilizing agents (hydrogen peroxide), and bleaching agents (sulfur dioxide). The tests revealed two non-compliant samples—one with excessive benzoic acid and another containing prohibited formaldehyde.
The health bureau stated that formaldehyde is an industrial preservative primarily used for animal specimens and wood preservation. It is banned in food products. Ingesting formaldehyde solution can severely irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, esophagus, digestive tract, and stomach, causing intense pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation. Absorption of formaldehyde by the body can affect the central nervous system, leading to dizziness, depression, severe abdominal pain, and even coma or death.
Although benzoic acid is a legal food additive, excessive amounts may cause discomfort such as drooling, diarrhea, stomach pain, and rapid heartbeat.
The health bureau noted that the product containing formaldehyde was sourced from Shun Wu Yi Trading Co., Ltd., located in Wuri Township, Taichung County. In addition to instructing local retailers to remove the product from shelves, the case has been referred to the Taichung County Health Bureau for legal action.
Shun Wu Yi Co. claimed innocence, stating they were also victims. The company revealed they had been purchasing the product from a supplier surnamed Li in Yunlin for about two years and had supplied it to seven or eight market retailers. They have temporarily halted shipments and initiated a recall.
The health bureau urged consumers to be cautious when purchasing preserved radish. Products that appear excessively white or emit a pungent odor may contain excessive bleaching agents or preservatives. For safety, it is advisable to soak and rinse the product multiple times before cooking.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 090416/ 78/ 1hxf4. html
Black-hearted Vendor! Preserved Radish with 200ppm Formaldehyde—Treating Consumers Like Specimens
Edible preserved radish was found to contain industrial-grade formaldehyde, a preservative used for animal specimens, with levels as high as 200 ppm. Yunlin County Health Bureau inspectors were shocked, saying it was practically treating humans like specimens, and excessive consumption could be fatal.
Last month, the county health bureau conducted inspections on preserved radish sold in local stores, supermarkets, and used in schools. A total of 17 samples were tested for preservatives such as sorbic acid, dehydroacetic acid, and benzoic acid, as well as industrial-grade formaldehyde, sterilizing agents (hydrogen peroxide), and bleaching agents (sulfur dioxide). The tests revealed two non-compliant samples—one with excessive benzoic acid and another containing prohibited formaldehyde.
The health bureau stated that formaldehyde is an industrial preservative primarily used for animal specimens and wood preservation. It is banned in food products. Ingesting formaldehyde solution can severely irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, esophagus, digestive tract, and stomach, causing intense pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation. Absorption of formaldehyde by the body can affect the central nervous system, leading to dizziness, depression, severe abdominal pain, and even coma or death.
Although benzoic acid is a legal food additive, excessive amounts may cause discomfort such as drooling, diarrhea, stomach pain, and rapid heartbeat.
The health bureau noted that the product containing formaldehyde was sourced from Shun Wu Yi Trading Co., Ltd., located in Wuri Township, Taichung County. In addition to instructing local retailers to remove the product from shelves, the case has been referred to the Taichung County Health Bureau for legal action.
Shun Wu Yi Co. claimed innocence, stating they were also victims. The company revealed they had been purchasing the product from a supplier surnamed Li in Yunlin for about two years and had supplied it to seven or eight market retailers. They have temporarily halted shipments and initiated a recall.
The health bureau urged consumers to be cautious when purchasing preserved radish. Products that appear excessively white or emit a pungent odor may contain excessive bleaching agents or preservatives. For safety, it is advisable to soak and rinse the product multiple times before cooking.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 090416/ 78/ 1hxf4. html