Clipping Board » Illness Enters through Mouth ─ The information that has been made public is often just the tip of the iceberg...
Wang Qianru, Gu Shisheng | TVBS – August 2, 2013
Well-known Taiwanese food products exported to China were intercepted by customs and returned due to "illegal additives." Among them, samples of the new chocolate crisp product from the long-established brand "Guai Guai" were found to contain talcum powder, which is prohibited in China. Additionally, "Lao Yang Cheese-Flavored Square Biscuits" were also rejected for containing Yellow No. 5 dye. In fact, both additives are permitted in small quantities under Taiwanese regulations. Toxicology experts noted that these chemicals have minimal impact on adults in small amounts, but children, with weaker metabolic capabilities, may face greater health burdens.
This decades-old brand, with classic flavors many grew up eating, saw its new product rejected in China. The chocolate crisps, unavailable in the market, were sent as samples to test the market but were found to contain talcum powder, leading to their return by customs.
Talcum powder, made from ground inorganic minerals, is added to biscuits to prevent sticking. Toxicology experts say it has low toxicity in small amounts, but if it contains asbestos fibers, inhalation could be carcinogenic. The U.S., EU, and China all ban its use.
Dr. Yang Zhenchang, a toxicologist: "Its impact depends on purity and quantity. Children indeed have lower tolerance compared to adults. This is a good opportunity to review whether we really need to add such substances."
Taiwanese regulations allow small amounts of talcum powder—no more than 5 grams per kilogram. While experts emphasize minimal impact at low levels, they argue such chemicals are unnecessary, especially since biscuits are often consumed by children, who metabolize toxins poorly. Regulations may need reevaluation. Guai Guai stressed that its products comply with domestic health standards.
Also rejected was Lao Yang Square Biscuits' cheese flavor. The manufacturer expressed frustration.
Chen Yujuan, Lao Yang Square Biscuits: "In Taiwan, Yellow No. 5 dye is legally permitted in cheese powder, but China’s food regulations prohibit it. This has been a learning experience for us."
The discrepancy in additive standards between the two regions caused the issue. Manufacturers were puzzled—approved in Taiwan but rejected in China. Compared to U.S. and EU standards, China’s food additive regulations are stricter than Taiwan’s, suggesting room for regulatory review.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E4……0% 80% E8% B2% A8- 054000752. html
Baby Powder Containing Talc Rejected by Chinese Customs
Well-known Taiwanese food products exported to China were intercepted by customs and returned due to "illegal additives." Among them, samples of the new chocolate crisp product from the long-established brand "Guai Guai" were found to contain talcum powder, which is prohibited in China. Additionally, "Lao Yang Cheese-Flavored Square Biscuits" were also rejected for containing Yellow No. 5 dye. In fact, both additives are permitted in small quantities under Taiwanese regulations. Toxicology experts noted that these chemicals have minimal impact on adults in small amounts, but children, with weaker metabolic capabilities, may face greater health burdens.
This decades-old brand, with classic flavors many grew up eating, saw its new product rejected in China. The chocolate crisps, unavailable in the market, were sent as samples to test the market but were found to contain talcum powder, leading to their return by customs.
Talcum powder, made from ground inorganic minerals, is added to biscuits to prevent sticking. Toxicology experts say it has low toxicity in small amounts, but if it contains asbestos fibers, inhalation could be carcinogenic. The U.S., EU, and China all ban its use.
Dr. Yang Zhenchang, a toxicologist: "Its impact depends on purity and quantity. Children indeed have lower tolerance compared to adults. This is a good opportunity to review whether we really need to add such substances."
Taiwanese regulations allow small amounts of talcum powder—no more than 5 grams per kilogram. While experts emphasize minimal impact at low levels, they argue such chemicals are unnecessary, especially since biscuits are often consumed by children, who metabolize toxins poorly. Regulations may need reevaluation. Guai Guai stressed that its products comply with domestic health standards.
Also rejected was Lao Yang Square Biscuits' cheese flavor. The manufacturer expressed frustration.
Chen Yujuan, Lao Yang Square Biscuits: "In Taiwan, Yellow No. 5 dye is legally permitted in cheese powder, but China’s food regulations prohibit it. This has been a learning experience for us."
The discrepancy in additive standards between the two regions caused the issue. Manufacturers were puzzled—approved in Taiwan but rejected in China. Compared to U.S. and EU standards, China’s food additive regulations are stricter than Taiwan’s, suggesting room for regulatory review.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E4……0% 80% E8% B2% A8- 054000752. html