China bans banana chips from RP
Local banana chips exporters, particularly, were affected by the Chinese government’s accusation that Philippine dried bananas have “excessive” amounts of sulfur dioxide.
Sulfur dioxide, banana chip exporters explained, are traditionally used to preserve dried bananas.
Thus, they questioned the alleged finding of the Chinese government that Philippine dried bananas contain excessive sulfur dioxide.
Ruben See, president of the Exporters Banana Chips Association of the
Unfortunately, dried bananas are different from banana chips, See clarified.
Even then, See explained further, “all exporters in the world are using sulfur dioxide for the preservation of dried bananas.”
He expressed doubts about reports which say Philippine manufacturers exceeded the allowed limit for sulfur dioxide usage as a preservative.
“I want to put on record that our banana chips are safe to eat,” See said.
Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative for dried banana chips due to its antimicrobial properties.
See said that as of Friday the association has not receive any official document regarding the problem.
“Our dealers in
The Department of Agriculture also clarified that excessive sulfur dioxide level were supposedly found in dried bananas. Xinhua News (Chinese news service earlier reported that two tons of banana chips imported by Qingdao Co. in East China’s Shandong province contained too much sulfur dioxide which may cause nausea and vomiting.
The wire report said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in China found the sulfur dioxide content in the banana chips to be 25 times higher than the limit allowed by Chinese laws on food additives.
The “tainted” products would reportedly be returned to the shipper or would be destroyed.
Formaldehyde or formalin is a chemical commonly used in embalming. Philippine banana chips exports to
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