Spot the Signs of Toxic Dumplings: A Guide to Protecting Your Health This Holiday Season
The Banh Chung is an indispensable traditional dish on the Vietnamese New Year feast. When buying these sticky rice cakes, be cautious as the one you intend to purchase may have been steamed with batteries.
If the outer bamboo leaves of the dumplings have a purplish or lush green color, they are likely to have been cooked with batteries. Traditional dumplings take a long time to cook, usually 8-10 hours, and the leaves tend to turn slightly yellow and cannot retain a lush green color.
If the outer shell of the dumpling has a black hue and feels insecure when held, it is likely due to the quick cooking process using harmful batteries.
The insides of dumplings cooked with batteries will have a brighter green color, and the glutinous rice will be clearer and more appealing. This may sometimes deceive customers into thinking that the dumplings are well-made. However, for dumplings cooked without batteries, the shell is usually lighter green or turns slightly yellow, and the rice is not as clear as those cooked with batteries.
The Filling Inside the Dumplings
Regular boiled dumplings have sticky rice that is very chewy and has a distinctive dumpling aroma, and they feel firmer when held. In contrast, dumplings cooked with batteries are less sticky and lack the characteristic aroma of traditionally boiled dumplings because they are rushed to maturity.
With these differences in mind and by being vigilant and observant, you can easily identify dumplings cooked with harmful batteries.
To avoid buying dumplings cooked with batteries, choose reputable sellers or purchase from well-known food stores or supermarkets.
It is even better to make your own dumplings at home, creating a cozy Tet atmosphere while ensuring the dumplings’ safety and quality.
What Are the Risks of Dumplings Cooked with Batteries?
According to PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, putting batteries in the pot does not make the dumplings cook faster or preserve the green color of the leaves, as some people speculate. Instead, it causes a lot of harm to our health.
The toxic metals in batteries will leach out and seep into each dumpling, causing food poisoning. At a mild level, our body will immediately react with digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. At a more severe level, you may experience metal accumulation in your body, which can even lead to cancer.
However, PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh also shared that to make the dumplings cook faster and look more appealing, one could use sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3), commonly sold in pharmacies as a treatment for stomach ailments. This substance is safe and does not pose any health risks to consumers.
According to Khoevadep
Frequently asked questions
It’s important to be vigilant when it comes to food safety, especially during the holiday season when food is abundant and often prepared in large quantities. Here are some key signs to look out for to spot toxic dumplings and protect your health: Check the dumpling wrapper – if it’s sticky, shiny, or slimy, it’s a sign of excess preservatives or additives. Look for an uneven texture or discoloration, which could indicate the growth of bacteria or mold. Smell the dumplings – a sour or rancid odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Be aware of your body’s reaction after consuming dumplings – if you experience any negative symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Consuming toxic dumplings can lead to a range of health issues, including food poisoning, allergic reactions, and even chronic health problems in the long run. Food poisoning is a common and immediate concern, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, it may lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even organ damage. Allergic reactions can also occur, especially if you are sensitive to certain preservatives, additives, or fillers that may be present in the dumplings. Chronic health issues may arise from consuming toxic dumplings over an extended period, including digestive problems, liver damage, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
To minimize the risk of consuming toxic dumplings, it’s important to buy from reputable sources and check the ingredients list and expiration date before purchasing. When preparing dumplings, maintain a clean and hygienic environment, and follow safe food handling practices. Cook the dumplings thoroughly to the recommended temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. It’s also a good idea to practice portion control and not overeat dumplings, especially if you’re unsure about their ingredients or freshness.
If you want to avoid the risk of toxic dumplings altogether, there are some alternative options you can consider. One option is to make your own dumplings at home using fresh, high-quality ingredients that you trust. This way, you have complete control over the ingredients, their sources, and the preparation methods. You could also explore alternative types of dumplings that are made with healthier or more natural ingredients, such as those using vegetable-based wrappers or fillings. Additionally, you could opt for other types of cuisine or snacks that don’t involve dumplings, ensuring you still enjoy a variety of tasty and safe options during the holiday season.
