Some Chinese e-newspaper released that health authorities in Suzhou town of Zheijiang province discovered seven kinds of sunflower seeds contain Aluminium and Talcum powder.
Aluminium keeps the seeds brittle and sweet-smelling for a long time, but it is believed to cause memory loss and brain atrophy when consumed in excess while Talcum powder, which makes the seeds visually appealing, contains known carcinogens.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Health permits the substances to be used in food manufacture and processing as additives, but only in certain products.
Aluminium sulphate can be used in wrapped vegetables and aluminium amoni sulphate can be added to fried seafood, while talcum powder can be included in formula and some dairy products.
Dried or roasted sunflower seeds are typically consumed in Vietnam and China as snacks available in small stores that cause difficulty for health authority to chech the origin and quality.
Source: SGGP
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