Sichuan Bamboo Shoot Producers Under Fire for Illegal Sulfur Fumigation
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Reports from multiple counties in Sichuan Province have exposed widespread illegal sulfur fumigation of bamboo shoots during the harvest season, raising serious food safety and environmental concerns. Residents in Gulin County, Mabian County, and Xuyong County have repeatedly complained about the practice, but enforcement has been ineffective due to remote processing locations and light penalties. Last year, authorities in Gulin County seized 1,900 kg of sulfur-fumigated bamboo shoots, yet the responsible party was fined only 500 yuan . The practice persists because sulfur fumigation costs mere fractions of a yuan per ton of bamboo shoots, making it far cheaper than food-safe alternatives .
Key Points
- Gulin County authorities seized 1,900 kg of sulfur-fumigated bamboo shoots in 2025, imposing only a 500 yuan (approximately 586 HKD) fine on the violator
- Normal bamboo shoots spoil within 1-2 days, but sulfur fumigation extends shelf life to 1-2 months, making the product commercially viable
- Some fumigation sites are located on steep mountain slopes, requiring a two-hour journey from urban areas, effectively preventing inspector access
- Village cadres reportedly warn farmers in advance of government inspections, allowing time to conceal illegal equipment and products
- Food safety experts warn that even after desulfurization, industrial sulfur residues containing lead and arsenic—arsenic being a Grade 1 carcinogen—may remain in the final products
Why It Matters
Sulfur-fumigated bamboo shoots, even after processing and desulfurization, may still contain residual heavy metals that cannot be fully removed through washing or blanching . With Hong Kong importing substantial quantities of processed bamboo shoot products from mainland China, consumers face potential exposure to carcinogenic substances through everyday food items. The lenient penalty structure—500 yuan for 1,900 kg of illegally treated produce—fails to deter violations, suggesting systemic weaknesses in food safety enforcement that Hong Kong's food import surveillance must address.
Sulfur-fumigated bamboo shoots, even after processing and desulfurization, may still contain residual heavy metals that cannot be fully removed through washing or blanching . With Hong Kong importing substantial quantities of processed bamboo shoot products from mainland China, consumers face potential exposure to carcinogenic substances through everyday food items. The lenient penalty structure—500 yuan for 1,900 kg of illegally treated produce—fails to deter violations, suggesting systemic weaknesses in food safety enforcement that Hong Kong's food import surveillance must address.