Tasty but DEADLY

 

In today’s increasingly complex and globalized food production and distribution chain much controlled by huge companies, tracking down the source and quantity of all components that goes into our food and beverages becomes a difficult task.

TAIWAN FOOD SCARE

Not long ago food scare that taints Taiwan food industry is a nightmare for millions of citizens who have been consuming related toxic products for almost three decades without realizing the devastating effects on their health.

The problem surfaced after a vigilant lab researcher at the Department of Health noticed something not right arising from a routine test of a dietary supplement product. It is laced with a toxic chemical DEHP and further investigations found it in part of the entire food processing chain in the country.

This chemical consists of high level of plasticizers, used to make clouding agents, which is added to food and drinks so that the other ingredients can blend better. The end product can then look more tempting to consumers.

For information, applying plasticizers such as DEHP increase the plasticity of materials commonly used in production of commercial items such as leather goods, rainwear, flooring, wiring and cable, food packaging materials and children’s toys.

Traditionally, palm oil or gum arabic was used as clouding agents but replaced by cheaper chemicals like DEHP and DINP by two taiwanese food additive manufacturers. Produced in bulk in some cottage backyards, they are also supplied as emulsifiers to big F & B manufacturers and smaller outlets serving fruit juices, jellies, tidbits, iced tea, bubble tea, yogurt, pastries and ice cream. Even health supplements like probiotic powder and multivitamins, and cough syrups are not spared. Such byproducts have reached the shores of neighboring countries like Hongkong, China, Philippines and Vietnam.

Not only has the nationwide sales plummeted after the news was broadcasted, the national image abroad is badly tarnished. Several countries have banned DEHP-tainted F & B sourced from Taiwan. Though there is no report of death as with vegetable contamination happening in Europe at the same time, the issue is serious enough to prompt immediate attention. Taiwan Government is trying to pacify the public by stating that the chemicals involved are not life-threatening and not proven to link to cancer (but positive on animals).

Closely resembling the 2008 scandal in which mainland Chinese company Sanlu added melamine, banned for use in foodstuffs, to baby powder to indicate higher levels of protein, the main victims in the Taiwan case are young children.

Health researchers warned that children’s developmental growth can be retarded if heavily intoxicated. Some pregnant women who have been consuming related products for prolonged period of time reported that their male offsprings are observed to have underdeveloped reproductive systems. It is believed that kids who consume beverages contaminated with DEHP on a long-term basis are eight times more at risk of developing problems with their reproductive system. The males are more likely to suffer from feminization and shrinking of the penis and testicles when they become adults, whilst girls are facing the prospect of premature development of their sexual organs. Thyroid dysfunction and fertility problems can be real threats later in life.

A study conducted in HK from a sample population showed stunning result with 99% having traces of such chemicals in their blood. Arising from this matter, the taiwanese products are advised to be tested by Authorities in Hong Kong to allay public fear. Two glaring failed cases are sesame oil packets found in Weilih’s hand-made instant noodles contained DEHP and Chuang’s Square Cookies contained DEHP and DINP. Both products, manufactured in Taiwan are well-known signature foods.

ASIAN TIDBITS

 

They come in a tasty blend of sweet, sour and salty. So tempting but they can also be deadly.

Yes, craving for that piece of dried sour plum can kill you, albeit slowly. Many types of dried fruits imported from China, Taiwan and other Asian countries have been found to contain high levels of lead.

Lead is a metal that can be absorbed into the body over time. Excess consumption, especially by the young, can lead to serious health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. It also poses risks to pregnant women and infants.

 

In Malaysia, the Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said only dried fruit products other than these brands would be allowed to be sold in the country.

“Under Regulation 38 of the Food Regulations 1985, the level of lead accepted is two parts per million. Action will be taken if the lead content exceeds the amount,” he said.

Malaysia’s move to bar the 18 brands of dried fruits comes in the wake of last Friday’s move by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory against eating dried fruits imported from Asia. Testing results in Texas found that dried plums and products contained lead as much as 300 times the acceptable level. The FDA doe not have lead limits specifically for prunes, but the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has advised avoiding consumption of any amount of lead. The warning, however, did not apply to prunes from the US.

Published Oct 9, 2009 Malaysian paper report

 

Don't disregard dried fruits yet……

 

If you are watching your sugar intake, you may appreciate dried fruits. As fruit dries, the natural sugar in it concentrates, making it sweet. Dried fruits are especially good replacement for sugar-laden snacks. Diabetic patients can also take, given its low glycemic index (the lower this index the slower it is digested, allowing a slow release of blood sugar). Those who are on weight control program can benefit from the high fibre content.

 

For most foods, the nutritional value retained is about the same as with freezing. Drying also destroys fewer vitamins than canning. In fact, the loss of nutritive value during most drying processes is small in comparison to the loss during cooking. This makes dried fruits a much healthier alternative compared to other commercially prepared foods with additives and preservatives.

Fruits contain vitamin B complex vitamins, vitamin C, carbohydrates and mineral salts such as iron, phosphorous, potassium and calcium. Some vitamin C may be lost through the drying process but other nutrients are relatively unaffected.

Compared with fresh fruit, the shelf life of dried fruit is at least six months. If you refrigerate them, you can keep them for up to a year.

Wise up! Make your foods tasty and healthy!!

Source: http://www.fave.com.sg/feature-healthanswers.htm

GREEN PEAS FROM MALAYSIA

Green peas are green rounded pea seeds that are sweet and starchy in taste. Containing twice the protein of most vegetable, they are a healthier substitute for meat. Three quarters cup of peas provides 6 grams of protein, plus thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and 645 units of Vitamin A.

It is unfortunate that some food industries are cheating the customers with fake green peas (actually cheap brown peas) soaked in dye solution overnight. Frequent consumption of fake green peas can lead to colon and bladder cancer. Health Authorities in US, Canada, all European countries banned products using such chemicals.

 

How to tell fake green peas:

Put the peas in boiling water for 30 seconds, the water turns greenish. Also, after consumption your tongue is stained green with light bitter taste.

 

Symptoms

 

1. Stomach irritation, pain or acidity.

2. Urine turns to light green color.

3. Mild headache.

Read link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-03/31/content_9664992.htm