Maleic acid found in food products in Taiwan

Taiwan's health authorities have uncovered the illegal use of maleic acid as a food additive in products from two factories, seizing an estimated 25 tonnes of product and ingredients before they could reach the market.

The chemical was added to products including tapioca balls and rice noodles to give them more elasticity. A health official said maleic acid is not known to have adverse effects on human health, and has not been linked to cancer, adding that an average-sized adult could consume 30mg of maleic acid in a day without their health being affected.

Health authorities were alerted in March and April that certain food manufacturers have been adding maleic acid to their products and launched an investigation into the tip-offs.

After the seizure, concentrations of maleic acid of under 800ppm was found in the food, an amount deemed within a safe range. A doctor specializing in clinical toxicology at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in New Taipei, said maleic acid is a poisonous industrial chemical and it is therefore unethical to add it to food, even in small amounts.

The authorities will conduct a further investigation into the manufacturers involved and decide whether to issue a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 (US$1,000-$5,000).

Source:

Want China Times