 |
HONG KONG, May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The tainted starch scandal has recently came to light in Taiwan. During the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration's (TFDA) random inspection process, it was revealed that companies have illegally used maleic acid, which is intended for industrial use, in place of fumaric acid to add taste during the food-manufacturing process. In addition, some of the modified starch and sweet potato starch sold by flour factories was found to contain excessive amounts of maleic acid (this includes sweet potato starch, fry powder, oden powder, clear flour, gluten-free flour, crude flour, etc.; market products affected include tapioca balls, taro balls, flat noodles, fish derivative products {oden}, meatballs, tofu pudding, rice jelly, etc.), and these products have even been sold in a number of major supermarket chains. The investigation has progressively revealed the involvement of more and more companies. The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety will continue remain vigilant, and to pay attention to any new developments.
Maleic acid is a type of unsaturated dicarboxylic acid which cannot be added to food. Its general industrial use is in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resin. It is toxic, and cannot be used interchangeably with fumaric acid. "Many food corporations in Taiwan have already contacted us, in the hope of defending their product reputation and strengthening the quality of monitoring through TUV Rheinland's food testing and auditing services, as well as to minimise the impact of the tainted food scandal," says Chen Jundong, Director of Food Services, TUV Rheinland Greater China.
As Taiwanese snacks such as pearl milk tea, chicken steak are popular among Greater China and the recently scandal on beef ball ingredient and articifical fish maw, Hong Kong consumers are worry and highly alert on food safety. Companies of all sizes are urgently trying to prove the quality and safety of their products in order to break free from the scandal.
TUV Rheinland Greater China's Food Services Department is able to provide maleic acid and maleic anhydride testing services for corporations, in accordance with TFDA suggested testing methods. The test period takes approximately seven working days. Upon successfully passing the testing process, products will receive TUV Rheinland's test reports. Companies will be able to use the reports as a proof to clear consumer food safety concern.
Simon Hung
Tel: +852-2192-1948
Email: Simon.Hung@hk.chn.tuv.com
