Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Real Reality]

A harmful substance causing cancer has been found in peanuts imported from Vietnam, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) said Friday.

"A recent food safety inspection showed that the imported peanuts, usually for sale at discount retail stores and markets in Seoul, contain amounts eight times higher than the import standard of the cancer-causing substance 'aflatoxin,'" a CPB official said.

The poisonous chemical compound Aflatoxin is classified as one of the top carcinogens by the World Health Organization. "The discovery of aflatoxin in the imported peanuts shows that Korea is at risk of health consequences from the cancer-causing substance," the board said.

Deaths as a result of ingesting the substance have recently been reported in Hong Kong, Europe and Africa.
By Seo Jee-yeon, The Korea Times (February 25, 2005)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200502/kt2005022519573911890.htm

[Derrek]

Ugh... and I really liked eating those cheap peanuts at the bars with my beer.

Seriously, you've really bummed me out with this one.

Though I suppose I should thank you.

[captain kirk]

I wonder if this toxin that's got into Vietnamese peanuts has anything to do with agent orange defoliants used on Vietnam during the Vietnamese war...?

[the eye]

i was thinking the same thing, captain.
in fact, i remember reading somewhere, not long ago, that the chemicals used in the war still contaminate the soil.

to what degree, i can't recall, but there was concern in some areas.

[Derrek]

[peemil]

Give them time they'll find cancer causing particles in air...

[the eye]

[schwa]

A problem everywhere (US too) -- aflatoxin is a natural mold. Stick to name brand peanut butter & pass on peanuts that look shrivelled or discolored & you'll be fine.