Provides a Formalin (Formaldehide) Test Kit to detect the formalin (formaldehyde) content in food or beverage products
Only US$ 20 (for 50 times analysis, not including shipping costs) The
widespread use of formalin, in preservation of fish, fruit and other
food items is posing a threat to public health. The chemical used as a
solution in water keeps fish fresh and makes fruits like mangoes
attractive. This chemical, usually used to stop dead bodies from
rotting, is now being used to preserve edible items.
A recent study by Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM), Indonesia’s
department controlling and surveying food and drug, has found that a
section of dishonest traders are using formalin widely in preservation
of food items, including fish, tofu, and noodles.
Last December (2005), BPOM performed a laboratorium test of 161 samples
of sea products (including fish, squid, shrimp, oyster, dried salted
fish / squid), tofu, and wet noodles from 6 cities at Lampung, South
Sumatra. The test showed 64 samples were found positive containing
formalin.
Furthermore, BPOM also performed a simple experiment on the positive
samples in attempt to remove the formalin content. These products were
washed thoroughly and boiled in water with a temperature of 80°C for 5
to 10 minutes. The formalin level was reduced but not fully removed. So
the conclusion, once formalin is added, it can not be removed.
What is formalin?
Formalin
is a colourless strong-smelling chemical substance usually used in
industry of textiles, plastics, papers, paint, construction, and well
known to preserve human corpse. It is derived from formaldehyde gas
dissolved in water.
Exposure from its gas or vapor can cause irritation to the eyes, nose
and respiratory tract, causing sneezing, sore throat, larynx
constriction, bronchitis and pneumonia. Multiple exposures can lead to
asthma. It can also affect the skin, causing dermatitis or allergic
reaction.
Serious inhalation or ingestion can cause severe pain with inflammation
ulceration and necrosis of the mucous membranes, which line almost
every internal organ. This may show as symptoms of nausea, vomiting
blood, diarrhea with bloody stool, blood from the urine, acidosis,
vertigo, and circulation failure, then death. 30mL is suggested the
lethal dose of formalin. The limit allowed in air that is still safe
for human is less than 2 ppm.
Formalin that was recently found in food, might not give such obvious
reactions. However, this substance is known to be a carcinogenic
substance, can precipitate cancer. A study showed mice exposed to
formalin with concentration of 6 to 15 ppm for 2 years developed
squamous-cell carcinoma in the nostril. Some other studies also show
formalin will cause kidney, liver, and lung problems.
Formalin inside?
- Fish. The fish will be stiff, have rubbery meat, hard scales,
red gills, clear eyes, doesn’t have the “fishy smell” and no flies
flying around.
- Squid. Very rubbery consistency. Unable to break the meat by hand, which you usually could, only can be cut by a knife.
- Other sea products, including dried salty fish. Formalin will make
the fish become stiff, whitish and odorless. Even when cooked, i.e.
fried, it will still be stiff.
- Tofu. Its consistency is more rubbery than usual, the surface tends
to be hard, won’t spoil after 24 hours. Normally after 24 hours, tofu
would become slimy, brittle and sour. If it is steamed, submerged in
cold water, or kept in the fridge, it may last longer.
- Wet noodles. Has yellowish color, tends to be elastic, with a
drug-like odor or ash-like odor when boiled or mixed with hot water.
How to avoid food with formalin?
- Fish, especially sea fish. Press the fish, if it feels tender,
it should be free of formalin. Choose fish which still has its fishy
smell. It’s best to buy live fish.
- Avoid dried salty fish.
- Tofu. Choose one with smooth surface and consistency. It’s safer to
consume egg tofu or water tofu (also known as japanese tofu), though
this product can’t last long and is very brittle.
- Wet noodles. Try the less attractive colored ones.
Source Link: Use This
"Easy Test (Supported by ET Group)"
provides a reagent (chemical solution) or test kit for rapid analysis
of certain materials including FORMALIN TEST KIT, BORAX TEST KIT,
METHANIL YELLOW TEST KIT, RHODAMINE B TEST KIT, NITRITE TEST KIT,
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More info and order contact please call us at +6285310135381 / +6283879191171 or email at easy4test@ gmail.com or easy4test@ yahoo.com
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