The Nanshi Health Bureau has strengthened the random inspection of food during the Qingming Festival, and randomly inspected the cake crust in the traditional market.

(Photo provided by Tainan City Government)

[Reporter Wang Shuxiu/Tainan Report] In response to the approaching of the Ching Ming Festival, the Nanshi Health Bureau has strengthened the inspection of food during the Ching Ming Festival. 71 items of food were inspected, and 2 items of peanut powder exceeded the standard for mycotoxins. The Health Bureau has ordered it to be recalled from the shelves.

"Qingming" is one of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar, and it is also an important festival for worshiping ancestors and sweeping graves. For the food materials such as three animals, five fruits, and moistened cakes that people usually prepare for sacrifices, the Health Bureau will conduct sampling inspections in advance in traditional markets, supermarkets, stores, restaurants, etc. A total of 71 pieces of ready-to-eat cooked food products such as moist cake crust, oil noodles, bean products, bean sprouts, peanut powder, vegetarian products, and three animals; inspection items include animal (plant) ingredients, preservatives, coloring agents, bactericides, and bleaching agents , Health indicator bacteria, mycotoxins and other items.

According to the Health Bureau, 2 pieces of peanut powder were found to have mycotoxins that exceeded the limits for pollutants and toxins in food, and 1 piece of peanut powder was found to have aflatoxins and ochrotoxin A that exceeded the limits. , has violated the provisions of Article 17 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Law, and is required to make corrections within a time limit in accordance with the provisions of Article 48, Paragraph 8 of the same law. If the aflatoxin exceeds the limit, it should be referred to the competent health bureau for handling according to law.

The Health Bureau reminds that aflatoxin and ochrotoxin A are mycotoxins with clear liver toxicity and kidney toxicity.

The temperature in Taiwan is high and humid, which is conducive to the growth of mold. Grain and legume foods such as peanuts, corn, rice, wheat, nuts, lotus seeds, and coffee are easily contaminated by mycotoxins.

The Health Bureau calls on food businesses to pay special attention to the storage, transportation and sales of peanuts and other grains and legumes to ensure that raw materials meet hygienic standards.

When consumers buy food such as lotus seeds, peanuts and nuts, it is best to buy products in complete packaging or vacuum packaging, and small packaging products are better. After opening, they can be stored in airtight jars and stored at low temperature in the refrigerator. Finished eating.