Nearly 20% of soybean-based food products in Taipei sub-par

Chiang Yu-mei, head of the department’s Food and Drug Division, said that of the 61 products tested around the city in June, 12 failed to meet the city’s food safety standards.

Six of the products contained excessive levels of the food preservative benzoic acid, while six contained hydrogen peroxide, which is banned in food products in the city, Chiang said.

Five of the soy-based products that failed the safety test were sold in Huan-nan Market. A majority of such items sold in Taipei City are processed at factories in Dasi township, Taoyuan County.

Hydrogen peroxide, which is chiefly used to kill bacteria and as a bleaching agent, can cause damage to the human body if ingested in large amounts.

Some of the symptoms of ingesting the chemical include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even ulcers, Chiang said.

She urged citizens to thoroughly wash and soak tofu products they purchase for at least 20 minutes to get rid of any hydrogen peroxide that the food items might contain.

Chiang added that although benzoicacid can be used in soybean-based food products in amounts of up to 0.6 grams per kilogram, it can cause damage to the kidney and livers.

Noting that washing and soaking are not helpful in removing benzoic acid because it does not dissolve in water, Chiang urged people to cook their tofu products in a covered pot and then remove the lid just after the tofu is ready to allow any residual benzoic acid to evaporate.

She added that this is also effective for removing hydrogen peroxide.

The department urged residents of the city to only purchase soybean-based products produced and sold by reputable companies and retail outlets in order to avoid substandard products.

It said that anyone who suspects a food product may not measure up to food safety standards can report the matter to the municipal government by phoning the 1999 hot line or dialing (02) 2720-8889.

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