Heavy Metal Cadmium Detected in Imported Black Truffles; 4.3kg Intercepted at Border

Black truffles are popular for their unique aroma, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today the latest border inspection results. Three batches of fresh black truffles imported from France and Bulgaria by different operators were found to contain excessive levels of the heavy metal cadmium. A total of 4.3kg was intercepted and did not enter the market. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration regularly publishes information on non-compliant food products. Eight items were found to be non-compliant, including cumin seeds from India and fresh durian from Vietnam, due to excessive pesticide residues or other issues, all of which were returned or destroyed. In this instance, three batches of fresh black truffles imported from France and Bulgaria were found to have excessive cadmium levels. Liu Fangming, director of the North District Management Center, told Central News Agency that these three batches contained between 3 and 5 mg of cadmium per kilogram. According to the "Sanitary Standards for Contaminants and Toxins in Food," the limit for cadmium in mushrooms is 2 mg per kilogram. Liu stated that depending on the severity of the violation, one operator has been subjected to enhanced sampling, while another is now subject to batch-by-batch inspection (100% sampling rate). For black truffles imported from France and Bulgaria in general, standard sampling remains in effect. Additionally, paper containers imported from mainland China were also flagged. One batch of "paper cans" showed 40 ppm of evaporation residue and 477 ppm of chloroform-soluble substances in a 20% ethanol elution test. Liu explained that according to regulations, if evaporation residue is 30 ppm or higher, chloroform-soluble substances must be 40 ppm or lower. This non-compliant product significantly exceeded the limit, and 134.4 kg were returned or destroyed. The FDA has adjusted inspection for this operator to batch-by-batch (100% sampling).