A report by state broadcaster CCTV revealed that harmful chemicals were being used by merchants to enhance the berries’ bright red colour.
SINGAPORE: Authorities in China have launched an investigation into the production of goji berries following a state news report which revealed harmful chemicals being used by merchants to retain the crop’s bright red colour, the second food safety scandal to hit the country in recent months.
Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in tonic soups for health benefits. The berries contain vitamins and minerals that help protect the liver, and improve eyesight. The CCTV report also revealed that toxic industrial sulphur, which contains large amounts of arsenic which can cause organ damage and failure, was also being used by some merchants to preserve the berries’ bright red colour during unfavourable weather conditions.
In a statement on Monday, Qinghai’s local government announced that a special task force had been set up to investigate the goji berry contamination claims. “Those found responsible for illegal activities will be severely punished according to the law,” the statement read.
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