Myanmar-made dry noodles were found to contain Borax. PHOTO/WIKICOMMONS
Myanmar food products including popular noodles and candies have tested positive for toxic chemicals that can cause health problems when eaten.
A total of 21 items sold at schools and markets in Naypyitaw and Magwe contained garment dye and substances found in stain removers, officials from the Health Ministry told the Myanmar Times.
Many brands of noodles, including 999, tested positive for Borax, a chemical normally used in water softeners and detergents that can be toxic when ingested, an announcement posted on Facebook said.
Golden Dragon chilli sauce contained Orange II, a garment dye, while Pinky strawberry wafers were found to include another dye, Rhodamine B, thought to be carcinogenic.
Such chemicals can affect the physical and cognitive development of children and cause liver disease as well as vomiting and dizziness, retired FDA official Dr Myint Hun was quoted as saying.
“The health authorities should destroy the foods and punish the producers effectively so companies do not use these banned chemicals,” he said.
The brands will be punished under section 28 (a) of the national food law, which carries a three year jail sentences and/or a 30,000 kyats fine, the Health Ministry said.
