Hello everyone, welcome to “Jembon’s Health Channel.” I’m Abang. Today, we’re going to talk about a common food in our daily lives—noodles. But have you ever wondered what hidden health risks might be lurking behind this seemingly simple bowl of noodles?
According to the 2023 annual report from Taiwan’s Food Safety Committee, 5% of noodle products on the market were found to contain illegally added boric acid, especially in small stalls or unbranded foods. Borax (or boric acid) was widely used for industrial purposes in the past, but in recent years, some unscrupulous merchants have secretly used these harmful substances to extend shelf life or improve the texture of noodles. Research has shown that long-term consumption of boric acid may lead to chronic kidney damage and even increase the risk of cancer. A similar incident was exposed in Malaysia in 2021, where over 30 food processing factories were shut down, involving noodles and other starch-based products.
A 2022 survey by the China Consumers Association revealed that over 70% of consumers do not carefully read the ingredient list when purchasing food. This lack of attention provides opportunities for unscrupulous vendors. In 2020, a noodle production company in Guangzhou was exposed for adding excessive preservatives. Within just three months, tens of thousands of servings of its product were sold, and many consumers reported symptoms like stomach pain and nausea after consumption. To avoid such risks, experts recommend that consumers choose products with food safety certifications and be cautious of non-compliant small-scale workshops. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also pointed out that bleaching agents and excessive preservatives might pose health risks.
The dangers of borax are alarming, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. As a 2021 study in the International Journal of Food Science pointed out, the long-term consumption of bleaching agents and hydrogen peroxide may lead to chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and immune system disorders. While these chemicals can make food appear whiter, they can also have potential harmful effects on our bodies. In one case, reported in Shanghai in 2022, a local man who had consumed bleached noodles for an extended period eventually developed severe stomach issues and had to be hospitalized. Although he didn’t feel discomfort immediately, his body bore the burden over time, leading to the need for medical treatment.
According to a 2021 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 600,000 serious health issues worldwide are caused by food safety problems each year, and a significant portion of these are related to illegal additives. Food safety issues don’t just occur in developing countries; in 2019, a large-scale food safety incident in Japan revealed that several major food brands were using illegal chemical additives, resulting in the recall of over 300,000 packs of problematic noodles. Therefore, consumers must learn to protect themselves by paying attention to the source and ingredients of the food they buy. Many countries hold National Food Safety Awareness Weeks each year to raise awareness of potential food risks among consumers. These events not only awaken consumer awareness of health but also encourage governments and businesses to strengthen regulations.
According to the 2022 annual report from China’s National Food and Drug Administration, more than 1,500 cases of illegal food additives were found nationwide last year, with over 30% related to noodles and other flour-based products. Although laws and regulations clearly prohibit harmful additives, lax enforcement allows some unscrupulous vendors to evade punishment. In 2021, Taiwan implemented a new food tracking system, allowing consumers to scan QR codes to view the production process and ingredient sources of products, greatly enhancing food safety transparency. This innovation undoubtedly helps reduce consumer concerns about food safety and serves as a strong deterrent to unscrupulous businesses.
Food safety is closely related to our health, and both consumers and regulators share the responsibility. In 2022, more than 80% of global food safety incidents occurred in areas with weak oversight or inadequate market regulation, reminding us that staying healthy isn’t hard—it’s about whether we’re willing to take that extra step for our well-being. If you have concerns about the safety of noodles, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
That’s all for today’s discussion. If you found this content helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel. Let’s work together to promote health! I’m Abang, and I’ll see you next time!
