Food
surveillance findings in the past have
revealed that boric acid had been added
to rice dumplings as a preservative.
2.
Boric
acid gives rice dumplings a fresher
look and a better texture.
Risk
Assessment and Public Health Significance
1.
Boric
acid is not a permitted preservative
under the Preservatives in Food Regulations
of the Public Health and Municipal Services
Ordinance, Cap.132.
2.
Boric
acid can produce toxic symptoms in humans,
including nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea
and abdominal pain. Infants and young
children are more susceptible to boric
acid intoxication.
Control
Measures and Surveillance Findings
1.
The
sale of rice dumplings containing boric
acid as a preservative is in contravention
of Regulation 3 of the Preservatives
in Food Regulations, Cap.132. The maximum
penalty for contravening this regulation
is $50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
2.
All
along, rice dumpling has been included
in the food surveillance programme.
From 1.1.1999 to 30.6.2000, 108 samples
of rice dumpling were tested for boric
acid and 2 prosecutions were taken.
Advice
to the Public
1.
Buy
food from licensed food premises or
retail outlets with a good reputation.
2.
Not
to buy food from illegal hawkers
Advice
to the Trade
1.
Do
not use any preservative including boric
acid in rice dumpling.
2.
For
retailers, obtain rice dumplings from
reliable suppliers.
3.
Observe
hygienic practice during food preparation
and storage.
Last
review date: 19-01-2005