General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the PRC (AQSIQ) revealed that the toluene and ethyl acetate are detected in Japan soy sauce and mustard.According to the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, toluene and ethyl acetate are detected form in Japanese soy sauce and mustard sauce imported from Japan. There are three Japanese manufacturers involved in this scadal. the highest value of toluene is 0.0053mg/kg, the ethyl acetate is 0.537mg/kg.
AQSIQ said China's importers of these products have started takeing similar products off the shelf and bulk testing to ensure the safety of Chinese consumers.
Toluene, also known as methylbenzene or phenylmethane, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners, redolent of the sweet smell of the related compound benzene. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is widely used as an industrial feedstock and as a solvent. Like other solvents, toluene is also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties. Toluene will irritate skin and mucous membrane. There is narcotic effect on the central nervous system.
Ethyl acetate is colorless liquid has a characteristic, pungent smell (similar to pear drops) like certain glues or nail polish removers, in which it is used. Ethyl acetate is the ester from ethanol and acetic acid; it is manufactured on a large scale for use as a solvent. Also used as the raw materials of dye, medicine, flavor, and as flavor agent is used in food and animal feed.
Originally Posted: China Business Daily
Author: Angulo Fu
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