Cancer-causing agent
Rhodamine B has been found in three samples of watermelon and chili
powder at markets in Ho Chi Minh City. The samples were seized by
the city’s Department of Food Control. In addition, the products
had no clear indication of their origin on the
packaging.
Health
authorities find three samples of watermelon and chilli powder to
contain cancer-causing agent Rhodamine B
The city’s
Department of Food Control detected traces of the dye in samples
taken from shops in the locality. Rhodamine B is used by the
textile industry to dye clothes and is banned as a food colorant
because it can cause cancer.
The city
health authorities also found that over 116 food producers had
violated hygiene regulations. This announced was made by the HCMC
Department of Health on January 13, at a press
conference.
Health
authorities have suspended 16 companies and imposed heavy financial
penalties to some 39 workshops, with the remaining to be
investigated further.
Rhodamine
B is used as a dye and coloring additive in drugs and cosmetics.
Exposure can be experience through food products and cosmetics.
Toxicity can cause irritation to the lungs, eyes, throat, nose and
the gastrointestinal tract.
By T. Dat - Translated by Phuong Oanh