Pork intestine twists, or “lòng xe điếu,” is the latest food craze sweeping across eateries and social media. These small, twisted sections of pork intestine have a unique crispness and an intriguing flavor. However, as the popularity of this dish soars, so do the prices, and hidden beneath this fad are potential health risks that consumers should be aware of.
Warning: Fake ‘Lòng Xe Điếu’ and Its Health Hazards
Nutritionist, Dr. Nguyen Thu Ha, from Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, cautions that some unscrupulous vendors, seeking to capitalize on the booming demand, are using low-quality pork intestines and chemical treatments to create fake “lòng xe điếu.” These counterfeits may look deceptively appealing and crisp, but they pose a serious health threat.
The deceptive process often involves bleaching the intestines with hydrogen peroxide to remove odors and lighten their color. Then, they use alum and diluted formaldehyde to create crispness and prevent decomposition. Some even go as far as mixing industrial glue or using chemicals to constrict the mucous membrane, shaping the intestines into their signature twisted form.
According to Dr. Ha, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, banned from use in food preparation due to its high toxicity. It can cause liver and kidney damage and has been classified as a definite human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consuming food containing formaldehyde can lead to acute digestive issues like abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, and long-term accumulation can result in liver damage and even liver cancer.
Alum (aluminum sulfate) is also not recommended for food use, as aluminum can accumulate in the body and negatively impact the nervous system, possibly contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.
The consumption of fake “lòng xe điếu” treated with industrial chemicals can have dire consequences:
– Gastrointestinal Damage: Hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, and mucous membrane-constricting chemicals can cause ulcers, abdominal pain, and prolonged digestive disorders.
– Acute and Chronic Poisoning: Regular consumption can lead to toxin accumulation, resulting in fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, and liver damage.
– Increased Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde heightens the risk of cancer, particularly in the nasopharynx and leukemic cancers.
– Neurological and Renal Impact: Aluminum from alum can impair memory and brain function, while the liver and kidneys are burdened by constant toxin filtration.
Distinguishing Real from Fake ‘Lòng Xe Điếu’
With the frenzy surrounding “lòng xe điếu,” it’s easy for consumers to be deceived by the alluring appearance of fake intestines—unusually crisp, stark white, and devoid of any distinctive odor. Dr. Nguyen Thu Ha from Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital warns that these products have likely been treated with harmful chemicals.
To avoid purchasing fake “lòng xe điếu,” keep the following characteristics in mind:
– Color: Genuine intestines are typically off-white with natural variations, and may still have traces of blood vessels or fat. Fake intestines are stark white and uniformly colored.
– Crispness: Real intestines have a natural, slight chewiness. Fake ones are excessively crisp and brittle, even breaking easily when squeezed firmly.
– Smell: Authentic intestines retain their distinctive odor even after cleaning. Fake intestines may have a faint chemical odor or none at all.
– Surface Texture: Real intestines have a subtle roughness. Fake ones feel smooth and almost sticky, as if coated with glue.
– Suspicious Traits: Pre-prepared intestines that are brightly white, remain unchanged when soaked in water, and are priced unusually low or high should raise red flags.
Beyond the issue of authenticity, Dr. Ha also warns that pork intestines are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and purines. Overconsumption can lead to disorders like dyslipidemia, hypertension, gout, diabetes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
It is advisable to purchase pork intestines from reputable sources with clear origins and to handle the cleaning process yourself to ensure hygiene. Stay vigilant amidst culinary trends, and never compromise your health for a fleeting culinary fad.
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