Traces of metal, talc powder found in China's dried seeds
Staff Reporter 2013-02-25 10:24
Workers prepare dried sunflower seeds in Inner Mongolia. (Photo/Xinhua)
Suzhou authorities have found traces of aluminium substances in watermelon seeds during recent investigations on snack foods. They were reportedly used in order to make the products more visually appealing and add flavor, Chinese media reported on Feb. 24.
The authorities have found aluminium and talcum powder in watermelon seeds and other dried seeds, which are common snacks during the Chinese New Year period. Both aluminium and the powder are used as food additives.
Manufacturers put aluminium in watermelon seeds during processing for a crispier shell. Excessive amounts of aluminum can harm the nervous system, and the substance is not easily expelled from the body, according to the Chinese-language Beijing Times.
When stored in the human body, aluminium also causes memory loss and brain atrophy as well as mental deficiency in more serious cases, the Beijing Times wrote.
Talcum powder is added to food to make the surface appealing to consumers.
