Clipping Board » Illness Enters through Mouth ─ The information that has been made public is often just the tip of the iceberg...
Update Date: 2010/10/01 [Taiwan Awakening News Reporter Xiao Rujun Reports]
Extra-large drinks also come with an extra-large burden on health! The Consumers’ Foundation (CF) conducted a抽查 (spot check) on commercially available "extra-large drinks" and found that one brand exceeded the standard for total bacterial count, while eight others had excessive levels of E. coli, which can easily cause gastroenteritis. The CF also urged consumers to finish their drinks quickly or discard them if they cannot be consumed promptly to avoid bacterial growth. Additionally, the CF discovered that the sugar content in these oversized beverages far exceeds recommended intake levels, posing further health risks.
These extra-large drinks, commonly seen at roadside stalls, are often priced very affordably, with 1000cc servings available for just NT$25. The CF tested 15 samples of such drinks for "coumarin," "total bacterial count," "E. coli," and "preservatives." The results showed that "Ahao Auntie’s Old-Fashioned Iced Black Tea" failed the standard for total bacterial count, while eight other brands exceeded the allowable limit for E. coli.
The CF called on vendors to regularly monitor refrigeration and freezer temperatures, clean water filtration equipment, and utensils such as scoops and containers. Staff were also advised to avoid handling beverage ingredients or equipment after touching money or cleaning cloths.
Coumarin, a natural flavoring agent, is considered excessive only if it exceeds 2 milligrams per kilogram. Fortunately, none of the 15 tested drinks contained coumarin, and all preservative levels complied with regulations, according to You Kaixiong.
Bacterial growth is particularly prone in water and ice, especially if vendors neglect hygiene. CF Chairman Xie Tianren pointed out that many stalls selling extra-large iced tea operate from mobile carts, which are highly exposed to wind and sunlight, creating an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation.
E. coli contamination typically stems from unclean utensils, improper handling by staff, or unsanitary storage conditions. Beverage hygiene standards stipulate that E. coli levels should not exceed 10 per milliliter. However, eight brands in this test surpassed this limit: "Laichun Iced Black Tea," "Red Label Iced Black Tea," "Tea Twelve," "Wu Family Iced Black Tea," "Black Tea House," "Addictive," "Cai Yuanyi Black Tea," and "Ahao Auntie’s Old-Fashioned Iced Black Tea."
Regarding storage time, consumers often take longer to finish these oversized drinks. CF Food Committee Director Zheng Zhengyong warned that leaving beverages at room temperature for extended periods encourages bacterial growth. If the drink cannot be finished within an hour, it is best to discard it.
In sugar content testing, the CF found that all 15 samples, under "normal sugar and normal ice" conditions, contained nearly double the recommended daily sugar intake. CF Publisher You Kaixiong noted that while adults often request reduced sugar, children rarely do. Given the affordability and appeal of these drinks to children, the CF advised consumers to avoid relying on sugary beverages for thirst and instead opt for water as the healthier choice.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 101001/ 115/ 2e4nf. html
Half of Large Drinks Exceed E. Coli Limits
Extra-large drinks also come with an extra-large burden on health! The Consumers’ Foundation (CF) conducted a抽查 (spot check) on commercially available "extra-large drinks" and found that one brand exceeded the standard for total bacterial count, while eight others had excessive levels of E. coli, which can easily cause gastroenteritis. The CF also urged consumers to finish their drinks quickly or discard them if they cannot be consumed promptly to avoid bacterial growth. Additionally, the CF discovered that the sugar content in these oversized beverages far exceeds recommended intake levels, posing further health risks.
These extra-large drinks, commonly seen at roadside stalls, are often priced very affordably, with 1000cc servings available for just NT$25. The CF tested 15 samples of such drinks for "coumarin," "total bacterial count," "E. coli," and "preservatives." The results showed that "Ahao Auntie’s Old-Fashioned Iced Black Tea" failed the standard for total bacterial count, while eight other brands exceeded the allowable limit for E. coli.
The CF called on vendors to regularly monitor refrigeration and freezer temperatures, clean water filtration equipment, and utensils such as scoops and containers. Staff were also advised to avoid handling beverage ingredients or equipment after touching money or cleaning cloths.
Coumarin, a natural flavoring agent, is considered excessive only if it exceeds 2 milligrams per kilogram. Fortunately, none of the 15 tested drinks contained coumarin, and all preservative levels complied with regulations, according to You Kaixiong.
Bacterial growth is particularly prone in water and ice, especially if vendors neglect hygiene. CF Chairman Xie Tianren pointed out that many stalls selling extra-large iced tea operate from mobile carts, which are highly exposed to wind and sunlight, creating an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation.
E. coli contamination typically stems from unclean utensils, improper handling by staff, or unsanitary storage conditions. Beverage hygiene standards stipulate that E. coli levels should not exceed 10 per milliliter. However, eight brands in this test surpassed this limit: "Laichun Iced Black Tea," "Red Label Iced Black Tea," "Tea Twelve," "Wu Family Iced Black Tea," "Black Tea House," "Addictive," "Cai Yuanyi Black Tea," and "Ahao Auntie’s Old-Fashioned Iced Black Tea."
Regarding storage time, consumers often take longer to finish these oversized drinks. CF Food Committee Director Zheng Zhengyong warned that leaving beverages at room temperature for extended periods encourages bacterial growth. If the drink cannot be finished within an hour, it is best to discard it.
In sugar content testing, the CF found that all 15 samples, under "normal sugar and normal ice" conditions, contained nearly double the recommended daily sugar intake. CF Publisher You Kaixiong noted that while adults often request reduced sugar, children rarely do. Given the affordability and appeal of these drinks to children, the CF advised consumers to avoid relying on sugary beverages for thirst and instead opt for water as the healthier choice.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 101001/ 115/ 2e4nf. html