Three Bak Kwa Products Recalled

Three dried pork/ bak kwa products were recalled after tests found they have too much nitrate, a preservative that can cause cancer if consumed excessively according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. Legal action had been initiated against the food processors.

One of the products was under 'Cap Ayam' brand while the other two were brandless products from Penang.

Nitrate and nitrite are preservatives used in processed meat to inhibit bacteria growth and enhance colour. Liow said when consumed, nitrate will be converted into nitrite in the body and join red blood cells (methemoglobin).

"High red blood cell will reduce its ability to supply oxygen to organs making the person tired, dizzy, difficult to breathe, look pale and suffer headache and palpitation. Food subjected to high temperature or high acid will result in amine from meat protein and reaction with nitrite will form nitrosamine which can cause cancer."

Updates on my 'Two Taiwanese Food Products And Korean Noodle Recalled For Tests' post:
Good news for those who love Korean Noodles 'Shin Ramen'! Health Ministry said that Korean Noodles 'Shin Ramen' is SAFE for consumption after being tested that it does not contain carcinogen di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).