The latest test on spice samples in Ho Chi Minh City has showed that some of them carried a carcinogenic substance, the Department of Health announced at press conference Thursday.

 

According to the department’s Food Safety and Hygiene Division, samples of 26 products like dried chili, watermelon seeds, chili sauce and curry powder. They were taken from different supermarkets and markets across the city between last December 20 and this January 6.

 

Three of the samples were found containing Rhodamine B, an industrial dye, the division said.

 

In response to the finding, the health department has proposed that the Department of Industry and Trade tightens control over the import and transport of red colored cooking products like watermelon seeds and Chinese sausages.

 

Also at the press conference held to announce results of the city’s periodical food safety inspections prior to Tet (Lunar New Year), the department said they had suspended 16 meal suppliers and restaurants.

 

Inspection of 232 suppliers and restaurants since October found 116 of them violating food safety regulations, officials said.