Guangdong deli probed for adding borax to meatballs
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Guangdong market regulators have publicized a food safety case in Lianzhou, Qingyuan, where a deli was found to have illegally added borax to meat products to improve their chewy, springy texture . During a joint raid with police, officers seized contaminated meatballs, yuba pork rolls and a quantity of white powder at the shop . The sales value linked to the case was RMB27,160, and the shop owner has been transferred to public security authorities for criminal handling . Borax is a banned non-food substance in China, and experts cited in the report said adults may be poisoned by 1 to 3 grams, while 15 grams can be fatal .
Key Points
- The case involved a cooked-food shop in Lianzhou, Qingyuan, where borax was added to meatballs and yuba pork rolls to create a firmer, bouncier bite .
- Guangdong Provincial Administration for Market Regulation listed the case among recent typical food safety enforcement actions announced in the province .
- Inspectors and police seized borax-laced meat products and a large amount of white powder during a surprise inspection after receiving a tip-off .
- Reported sales tied to the case reached RMB27,160, and the owner has already been handed over to public security authorities .
- The report said borax is commonly used in detergents and insecticides, and long-term intake can damage liver and kidney function .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong residents travelling north to eat and shop, the case is a reminder that unusually elastic meatballs, meat rolls, cold starch sheets or rice dumplings may warrant extra caution . Guangdong authorities said they have already handled five similar cases in Lianzhou this year, with four people sentenced, suggesting the problem is not isolated .