A recent Consumer Council test revealed high level of mould count in two makes of bamboo skewers.
Back in 2009, there were concerns over harmful chemicals found in bamboo toothpicks and skewers made in Mainland.
In the absence of any international safety standard applicable to bamboo pin products, in its recent test the Consumer Council made reference to broadly comparable safety standards - Mainland standard for disposable bamboo chopsticks and its draft standard for bamboo toothpicks.
Among the 10 samples of bamboo toothpicks and 8 samples of bamboo skewers, 2 makes of bamboo skewers had mould counts higher than 50cfu/g, the limit set in the Mainland standard for bamboo chopsticks.
The two samples contained mould counts of 130cfu/g and 800cfu/g respectively.
All samples were sourced from local retail shops and supermarkets.
Medical experts advised that mould at low levels presents little health risk to most people but it can be harmful to leukemia patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. People being treated for leukemia are advised to strictly follow the instructions of their doctors and avoid using utensils which might be contaminated by mould.
It is not advisable to re-use bamboo skewers.
In the test, 17 samples were found to contain sulphur dioxide, but all were within the limit of 600mg/kg under the Mainland standard for bamboo chopsticks.
However, when assessed against the Mainland draft standard for bamboo toothpicks, the levels of sulphur dioxide found in 4 bamboo skewers and 1 bamboo toothpick were higher than the recommended limit of 100mg/kg, with concentration ranging from 112mg/kg to 253mg/kg.
In the interest of consumers, the Council urges manufacturers of bamboo toothpicks and skewers to work towards satisfying the more stringent standards.
Eateries are also reminded to put toothpicks in covered containers to avoid contamination. Consumers should store bamboo products in dry places, and discard those that have become mouldy.
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