China's Kuaci, Peanuts And Pistachios To Be Tested

SIBU, Jan 16 (Bernama)--The state Health Department will be asked to collect samples of "kuaci", peanuts and pistachios imported from China from major supermarkets for laboratory tests and analysis.
Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Soon Choon Teck said this was following public concerns over recent newspaper reports that 55 per cent of the three products allegedly contained harmful colourings or bleaches and additives.
The chemicals were added to make the food, popular traditional food items during the Chinese New year celebration look attractive and fresh.
Local newspapers had quoted reports published in newspapers from China which said health officials in the Guangdong province had discovered the unscrupulous practice recently.
These reports had alleged that in serious cases the chemical additives could cause drowsiness, vomiting and stomach ache.
Dr Soon said if the people had any doubts whether such foods were safe to eat, they should avoid eating them pending the test and analysis.
He said he had been given to understand the locally processed versions were safe to eat as a an importer and distributor here had said his company had only used traditional methods of using only spices.
Earlier he presented the annual Sports Toto Chinese New Year hampers to 250 recipients here.