November 12, 2008
Duck blood formed into cubes, known as “duck blood tofu” (), is a common menu item at Beijing’s hotpot restaurants, and a culinary delight for those who enjoy it.
However, an article in The Beijing News says that most of the duck blood on Beijing’s market is actually cheaper pig or cattle blood. Even worse, like many other foods in the country, it has not been untouched by the safety issue.
The article quotes a blood vendor who says, “for many years, customers have gotten used to fake duck blood. If we suddenly start selling them real duck blood, they would be suspicious.”
At a blood tofu manufacturer, the reporter also found four plastic barrels containing unidentified liquid that later tested for high level of toxic formaldehyde. Though tests showed that formaldehyde levels in blood tofu was lower than the state standards allows, formaldehyde’s instability may make the test unreliable.
Also on the front page:
· Beijing has banned hotels and dormitories from using nonstandard coal stoves, heated brick beds, and other hazardous heating systems. Violation of the ban is punishable by maximum fine of 30,000 yuan.
The ban came after two tourists were found dead in a rural lodge (known as ) in suburban Beijng’s Pinggu District on November 6. The police determined the cause of the two deaths to be carbon monoxide that leaked through a crack in the heated brick bed.
· Following a two-day strike by Chongqing taxi drivers at the beginning of the month, drivers in Sanya, Hainan Province, and Yongdeng, Gansu Province, also went on strike starting on November 10.
Today, Sanya mayor Wang Yong apologized to the striking drivers and asked that they resume operation. Wang refused the drivers’ request to release 27 people who were arrested for damaging taxis that operated during the strike.